Raphinha’s Rise: From Leeds United to Barcelona Star
Raphinha has rapidly become a global football star, a remarkable transformation considering that just three years ago, he was playing for Leeds United. The Brazilian winger remains a memorable figure for Leeds supporters after making a significant impact during his time at Elland Road.
From Leeds to Barcelona
Raphinha’s wife uploads a video of the player training at home at night… It can be seen that Raphinha has these jerseys framed in his house:
– Neymar’s PSG
– Neymar’s Brazil
– Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United
– Messi’s Argentina pic.twitter.com/8NyfEZDV06— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) February 16, 2025
Leeds United signed Raphinha from Rennes in 2020 for £17 million. His impressive performances in the Premier League helped the club earn a substantial profit when they sold him to Barcelona for £50 million in 2022. Across two seasons with Leeds, he scored 17 goals in 65 league appearances. However, his departure came following the club’s relegation to the Championship under Sam Allardyce.
Since his move to Spain, the forward has continued to develop, becoming one of Barcelona’s key players. This season has been his most productive yet, with 13 goals and six assists in 24 La Liga matches. Earlier in the campaign, he played a crucial role in Barcelona’s victory over Real Madrid, sparking discussions about his potential as a future Ballon d’Or contender.
Raphinha’s Connection to Leeds United
It has recently been revealed that Raphinha initially considered rejecting a transfer to Leeds United before ultimately deciding to make the move. Despite leaving the club years ago, it is evident that he still holds fond memories of his time there.
A recent social media post from his wife captured the Brazilian training at home, with several of his jerseys displayed in the background. Among them were shirts from Brazil and Sporting CP, but a notable inclusion was a Leeds United jersey, seemingly signed by his former teammates.
Raphinha’s Future at Barcelona
Although Raphinha has attracted transfer interest in recent years, particularly from Saudi Arabian clubs, Barcelona’s current manager, Hansi Flick, is determined to keep him at the club. His contract runs until 2027, and if he maintains his impressive form, Barcelona may intensify efforts to retain him. At the same time, his performances could also draw further interest from other clubs seeking his signature.
Meanwhile, Leeds United are pushing for a return to the Premier League. Following a 2-1 victory over Sunderland, the club currently sits at the top of the Championship table, raising hopes of a return to the topflight next season.