How Hansi Flick Transformed Raphinha

Mari Carmen Torres, “Marca”

Raphinha has emerged as the most influential player of the moment. Not just at Barcelona, but across La Liga, Europe, and globally. He boasts an impressive tally of 12 goals in seven domestic league matches, complemented by two more in the Champions League. His statistics are truly historic. And for this exceptional form and outstanding performance, there's one primary architect: Hansi Flick. And it's not just because he rediscovered him as a false nine.

The 29-year-old Brazilian international is currently experiencing the best period of his career. He owes this to his inherent qualities, daily dedication, and sacrifices, but most significantly, to Flick's intervention. This isn't merely about tactical guidance. The key to the former Leeds player's success lies in the trust his coach has placed in him. Flick convinced him of his talent, potential, leadership qualities, and overall importance. This transformative process began three seasons ago when the German took the reins at Barça.

Barcelona acquired Raphinha in the summer of 2022, under then-manager Xavi, in a deal worth approximately 55 million euros. During his first two seasons, he delivered more than satisfactory performances (playing 87 matches, scoring 20 goals, and providing 25 assists). However, by the summer of 2024, he was contemplating a departure from the Catalan club. This was due to lucrative offers and the fact that he didn't yet command the same influence within the team and dressing room that he enjoys today.

However, Barcelona then appointed Flick, and the German specialist held a crucial conversation with the Brazilian. He conveyed his unwavering trust, belief in his abilities, and explained that Raphinha would not only be vital to the squad but that the team genuinely needed him. “I was on the verge of leaving the club before the start of the season. The coach was instrumental in changing my mindset and convincing me to stay. He gave me confidence, he changed everything…” Raphinha shared at the end of the 2024/25 season. The German quickly realized that Raphinha needed to feel valued. And he dedicated himself to cultivating and boosting the national team player's self-esteem: reinforcing his confidence through his decisions, consistently starting him, and engaging in conversations that reaffirmed his belief in Raphinha's qualities.

From scoring 10 goals per season under Xavi, he reached an impressive 32 goals with Flick in their very first campaign together. In the 2025/26 season, his participation decreased due to various injuries, but the German's work with the Brazilian continued. He never stopped encouraging him, believing in him, and backing his talent.

Last summer, Flick definitively propelled the Brazilian to new heights with two decisions that solidified his utmost trust: he assured him that he saw him as a false nine, capable of playing any position due to his qualities and self-sacrifice, and he handed him the captain's armband. He elevated him on all levels. The German chose two of the dressing room leaders: he backed Raphinha and Pedri, while the squad selected their other three spokesmen (De Jong, Eric, and Lamine). The 'Culés' coach entrusted Raphinha with responsibilities, ultimately transforming him into one of Barça's stars. The Brazilian had never before been, nor felt, so recognized.

The success of Flick's work is undeniable: since the start of the season, Raphinha has scored 14 goals in eight matches and provided three assists. He has recorded three braces and two consecutive hat-tricks. Under the German's guidance, he has surpassed all his previous records and is so content at Barça that he not only rejected multi-million-euro offers this summer but is also on the verge of extending his contract until 2030. Flick has given him the place he truly deserves.