One of the most beautiful stories to have unfolded at FC Barcelona in the past couple of seasons is the transformation of Raphinha. His first couple of seasons were a mixed bag, but since then, he has gone from strength to strength.
The Brazilian winger’s time at the Catalan club under Xavi Hernandez was defined by frustration. He was not treated as he would have liked, and the Spanish tactician rarely gave him more than 60 minutes, regardless of how he was playing.
Everything changed for Raphinha after the arrival of Hansi Flick. The German manager quickly made him one of the most important players in his tactical set-up and also gave him the captain’s armband. The South American winger has not looked back since.
After his brace in the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid, Raphinha revealed how the German manager changed everything for him at Barcelona. As quoted by [MARCA](https://www.marca.com/futbol/barcelona/2026/01/12/flick-raphinha-vinculo-marcando-epoca-barca.html), he said:
**“I always say he was the person who changed everything for me. I was leaving the club, had one foot out the door, and his importance was enormous: he came, spoke to me, and said he wanted to count on me, that I would be an important player.”**
Barcelona realised just how much they missed Raphinha when he was [injured for two full months early in the 2025/26 season](https://semprebarca.com/i-can-assume-that-responsibility-barcelona-star-takes-blame-for-dual-injury-relapses-before-comeback/). However, the Brazilian has returned stronger than ever and looks the most in-form player in the line-up right now.
Without a doubt, the 29-year-old’s influence extends beyond the pitch. Raphinha’s leadership has been a lifesaver for Barcelona, and in terms of pure merit, he should rank just behind Frenkie de Jong in the armband ranking.
Barcelona fans will hope that the Brazilian can continue this form through the rest of the season and help the club lift more silverware in the coming months.