FC Barcelona has found a diamond in the rough that is dazzling Europe. Raphinha, the Brazilian winger, has reached spectacular form this season, and his numbers speak for themselves.
The Barça player is already positioning himself as one of the most serious candidates for the next Ballon d'Or. What's even more impressive, his current performance already surpasses Vinícius Júnior's figures from last season.
Raphinha, the Decisive Player
Raphinha was once again decisive in the match against Benfica at Estadio Da Luz, showing why he is one of Barcelona's most important players today.
His ability to assist, score goals, and collaborate in the collective play has allowed Barça to reach new heights. The Brazilian is experiencing his best season since joining the club, and his statistics are compelling evidence of this.
With 25 goals and 18 assists in all competitions, Raphinha has become a key pillar for the team. This impressive number of goals and assists is just part of his impact, as his presence on the field generates a positive effect on the entire team.
Numbers That Impress
In terms of European competitions, Raphinha has particularly excelled in the UEFA Champions League. With nine goals in nine matches, he has established himself as the team's top scorer in this tournament.
Additionally, he has been involved in a total of 13 goals, thanks to his four assists. These numbers not only place him as one of the best players in Europe but also make him a serious contender for the Ballon d'Or.
This performance is even more impressive when comparing his figures to Vinícius Júnior's last season. The Real Madrid forward was one of the favorites for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, and his year seemed outstanding. However, Raphinha, by March of this season, has already far surpassed those numbers, establishing himself as one of the most prominent figures worldwide.
The Comparison with Vinícius Júnior
The debate this year is whether Raphinha can be the next Ballon d'Or winner, a prize that seemed destined for Vinícius. While the Madrid player was praised for his impressive performance and importance in the merengue team, the Barça Brazilian is dazzling with an even superior performance. While Vinícius finished last season with great figures, Raphinha has already matched and surpassed them, being only in March.
With his great performance in the Champions League and LaLiga, Raphinha proves to be a world-class player. If he continues like this, his name could be among the Ballon d'Or finalists this year.