When an attacking player gets even close to [putting up numbers similar](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/raphinha-on-track-to-break-a-historical-barcelona-record-currently-held-by-lionel-messi/) to that of FC Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, you would instantly know that he is having a great season. So, imagine someone being in the reckoning to surpass the Argentinian maestro’s best-ever Champions League season.
This is the situation Raphinha finds himself in currently following his incredible numbers this season, especially in the continental competition. 11 goals and 4 assists in just 10 Champions League games is quite ridiculous.
Now, as per [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20250313/1002424550/motivo-raphinha-mejor-brasileno-champions-league-bdg.html), Raphinha has already surpassed the numbers set by Brazilian legends in the Champions League, further highlighting the fact that he needs to be talked about in the elite status much more than he is currently.
For example, Raphinha has already gone past Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr.’s best Champions League numbers despite the attacker going on a number of deep runs with Los Blancos in recent seasons. Yet, he isn’t talked about in the same category as his counterpart.
The ex-Leeds United man has surpassed the historical numbers set by some Brazilian legends including Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Kaka, Neymar, and Ronaldinho. With every passing game, the dream of a Ballon d’Or looks more and more realistic for Raphinha.
It is worth noting that the 28-year-old is already having the best season by a Barcelona player not named Lionel Messi in the Champions League. Raphinha has surpassed his counterpart Neymar’s 10 goals in a campaign, during the treble run. Rivaldo also managed the same 10 goals in 1999-2000.
One would have to say with some assurance that considering the form Raphinha is currently in, if Barcelona manage to progress to the final of the Champions League this season, he will in all likelihood surpass Messi’s numbers.
Of course, there is a catch here that Raphinha’s Barcelona have played two more games in the group stage compared to the previous season with the revamped Champions League format featuring 8 matches in the League Phase as opposed to the previous 6.
One cannot put it past Raphinha to go beyond Messi and maybe even more. If he continues this rampant form, he could be coming for Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time record season in the Champions League and let’s wait and see how it plays out.