Raphinha played a key role in Barcelona’s fine season, scoring 34 goals and bagging 22 assists in all competition to help fire Hansi Flick’s side to three trophies.
The Brazilian’s form [means he’s a genuine contender for the Ballon d’Or,](https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2025/3/22/24391048/raphinha-to-win-the-ballon-dor-barcelona-star-has-his-say-on-golden-ball-talk) and he admits his stats this season have come as a surprise.
> “Honestly, I didn’t expect it. The personal goals I had were below these numbers,” he told Diario Sport.
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> “Scoring all these goals, giving all the assists and helping the team makes me very happy. In the end it’s about making history, it’s been the best season of my life, both in personal goals and at group level.
Raphinha also spoke once again about how close he came to leaving last summer and how Hansi Flick helped turn his career around.
> “I’m a person who thinks that if you’re not welcome in a place, it’s better not to be there. There is no point in hitting your head on the wall. I have things clear. If they didn’t want me to be here, I’m leaving.
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> “I have personal goals, I want to play. Maybe before the start of the season I thought I wouldn’t play, but I know myself. I know how I take care of myself, how I dedicate myself to my profession and I know that when the coach changed I had a new opportunity to show my potential and my way of working.
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> “This made me think about staying. The coach had called me and told me that he was counting on me. That call was very important because it changed my way of thinking. The only person who could stop me was him and he did.”
Raphinha’s brilliant form means that instead of leaving he’s now been handed [a new contract at the club that runs until 2028.](https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2025/5/22/24434349/raphinha-extends-barcelona-contract-until-2028-after-brilliant-season-under-hansi-flick)