According to an update shared by Mundo Deportivo, an interesting revelation has emerged from within Real Madrid circles.
It has come to light that club president Florentino Perez has privately admitted to people close to him that Raphinha is the Barcelona player he admires the most.
This confession is particularly striking given the talent Barcelona currently boast, including global sensations like Lamine Yamal and midfield maestro Pedri.
Yet, in Perez’s eyes, it is the Brazilian winger who stands above the rest.
There is an irony
Perez’s admiration was justified during the Spanish Super Cup final, where Raphinha delivered a decisive performance that hurt Real Madrid.
The Barcelona forward scored two crucial goals, playing a central role in Barça lifting another trophy at the expense of their biggest rivals.
It was another painful night for Florentino Perez, as the very player he reportedly values most ended up being the main reason his team fell short.
Raphinha, Barcelona player
Raphinha scored a brace last night. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
What makes this story even more compelling is Raphinha’s remarkable record against Real Madrid, especially since the arrival of Hansi Flick.
The Brazilian has featured in five Clasicos under the German and won all of them, leaving a clear mark in every single encounter.
His only absence came in the league clash at the Santiago Bernabeu last October, which also happened to be the only Clasico Barcelona lost during this period.
Furthermore, his numbers speak for themselves, as in five Clasicos with the German in charge, he has scored seven goals, failing to score only once, in the Copa del Rey final.
Beyond the goals itself, Raphinha’s intensity, movement, and ability to rise in big moments have made him a nightmare for Real Madrid’s defence.
He thrives on the biggest occasions, and his confidence seems to grow every time he faces Los Blancos.
For Barcelona, he has become a guaranteed weapon in decisive matches and for Florentino Perez, he is a player admired from afar but feared on the pitch.