Raphinha of FC Barcelona
Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images
FC Barcelona are showing no signs of slowing down, scoring five goals in four of their first five matches of the 2026/27 season under Hansi Flick.
At the heart of that explosive start is Raphinha, who has taken on a new role as the German coach’s new centre-forward and emerged as the team’s leading scorer.
Indeed, following his brilliant brace in the 5-1 win over Feyenoord on Wednesday, the newly-appointed first captain has now racked up eight goals in five matches for Barça, leading the scoring charts.
Only Kocsis has scored more
This has put him among the best starts by a Barcelona player in the club’s history.
According to data from Oriol Jove, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, only Sandor Kocsis, who scored nine times in his first five competitive appearances in the 1958-59 season, has managed more.
Raphinha of FC Barcelona
In red-hot form. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Raphinha has also achieved another remarkable feat. He became the first Barcelona player since Luis Suarez in 1958-59 to score in each of the club’s opening five competitive matches of a season.
Those numbers put the Brazilian in historic company and strengthen the argument that he belongs among the elite forwards in European football.
Into Barcelona’s Champions League top five
Raphinha’s remarkable evening was capped by another milestone as he moved into the top five of Barcelona’s all-time Champions League goalscorers.
The Brazilian now has 21 goals in the competition for Barça. Only four players stand above him: Lionel Messi: 126 goals, Luis Suarez: 25, Rivaldo: 25, and Robert Lewandowski: 23.
Raphinha and Hansi Flick of FC Barcelona
Leading by example. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Messi’s record remains far beyond reach, but Raphinha is closing rapidly on the other names ahead of him.
At this rate, the Brazilian is no longer simply enjoying a strong start to the season. He is beginning to write his own chapter in Barcelona’s history.
Raphinha focused on Barcelona, not the Ballon d’Or
Despite his outstanding form, Raphinha was not included among this year’s Ballon d’Or nominees.
After being named the best player of the match, he was asked about the possibility of challenging for the individual award. The Brazilian refused to be drawn into the discussion.
“I’m not talking about the Ballon d’Or. I’m talking about Barcelona, who are having a spectacular season,” he said.
His focus remains firmly on Barcelona and what the team can achieve this season.