Raphinha’s Barcelona revival began with one call from Hansi Flick

Raphinha revealed that a phone call from manager Hansi Flick in 2024 convinced him to stay at Barcelona after he had mentally accepted leaving the club. The Brazilian forward has since signed a contract extension keeping him at Barcelona through 2030, while also taking on roles as club captain and starting center-forward.

Following summer departures that included Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, and Marcus Rashford, Flick moved Raphinha to the No. 9 position. Through the first seven LaLiga games of the campaign, Raphinha scored 12 league goals and added two in the Champions League as Barcelona won their opening eight league matches.