Raphinha’s achievements since leaving Leeds United for Barcelona have been watched closely by those in West Yorkshire with immense pride, now having lifted the La Liga title for a second time.
Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League came as a direct result of being unable to replace Raphinha properly after his £55million move to Barcelona.
The Brazilian’s move didn’t come with any ill feeling from the Whites fans though, given how he managed to drag Leeds to safety during the 21/22 season before celebrating with the away fans inside Brentford’s stadium.
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Spotted: Raphinha repeats Leeds United ‘kneel-walk’ gesture after Barcelona title win
Alongside singing with the Leeds fans in the away end, Raphinha was also seen kneeling and walking on his knees across the length of the pitch, making a gesture of gratitude as a long-standing Christian tradition.
Raphinha lifts La Liga trophy for the second time since joining Barcelona from Leeds United. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
His fortunes since leaving Elland Road for La Liga have continued, though, helping Barcelona to their second league title in three years.
Having scored 18 and assisted 11 in the league to help his side to the title, Raphinha’s wife Natalia shared footage of him walking across the Estadi de Montjuïc on his knees again:
“I made this video with tearful eyes. Very grateful & unshakable faith God knows where He brought us from, and He knows where He’s placed us. He knows all the prayers we prayed together, and He answered! The privilege, my love, is walking with you toward the goal. Another year of keeping his promise… Thank you God for keeping us this far. See you next season. 💙❤️💙”
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Another brilliant moment for former Leeds United hero Raphinha
Raphinha has worked incredibly hard for these moments and after keeping us in the Premier League, you could see how much it meant for him.
Now doing it for his club Barcelona, he’s again shown his gratitude with the same brilliant gesture of walking across the pitch on his knees.
As much as it’s such a shame we only got to see him in front of fans at Elland Road for one season, it’s still great to witness what he’s doing with his career.