Raphinha: From Doubt to Determination — How Hansi Flick Saved His Barcelona Career
At FC Barcelona, Raphinha has emerged as one of the leading figures in the club’s new era under Hansi Flick. But behind his recent joy and on-field success lies a story of uncertainty, resilience, and redemption. The Brazilian winger, who recently signed a new contract until 2028, has finally revealed how close he came to leaving the club — and how a single conversation changed everything.
Back on May 22, Barcelona fans celebrated the news of Raphinha’s contract renewal — a major boost after a historic season in which the team clinched a league and cup double and reached the Champions League semi-finals. Raphinha had been sensational, recording 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 appearances, earning himself a place among the Ballon d’Or contenders, narrowly missing out to Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé.
Yet, behind the scenes, things weren’t as perfect as they seemed. Just weeks before that renewal, Raphinha was contemplating a move away from Barcelona. In an interview with ESPN Brazil, the former Rennes star admitted that a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia had tempted him to consider a life-changing switch.
“I’ve been playing football since I was 15,” Raphinha shared. “I’ve had highs and lows everywhere I’ve played. Then came a time when I thought about taking care of myself and my family. The Saudi offer really got to me — it would have secured the future of my parents, my son, and everyone close to me.”
At that point, his Barcelona future looked uncertain — until Hansi Flick stepped in. The newly appointed coach reached out personally, speaking to Raphinha both over the phone and again at the start of preseason. That heartfelt conversation convinced him to stay.
“Of course, I thought about leaving,” he admitted. “But after talking with the coach, he changed my mind. Thank God he did.”
Since then, Raphinha has rediscovered his best form. In just seven matches this season, he has already scored three goals and assisted two, forging a dangerous partnership with Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal. His performances have silenced critics and cemented his place in Flick’s starting lineup.
However, Raphinha hasn’t forgotten the struggles he endured during his early days at the club. Without naming names, he hinted that certain figures within Barcelona’s hierarchy wanted him gone.
“A lot of people wanted me out,” he said. “Maybe they expected me to score 30 goals a season — but that’s not who I am. I’m not a pure striker. I bring effort, teamwork, and consistency. That’s Raphinha.”
He also reflected on how unwelcome he once felt:
“After my first season, many thought I had no future here. You could sense it. But I know who I am and what I’ve gone through to reach this point. The opinions of people who don’t truly know me don’t affect me anymore.”
Raphinha’s story highlights the unseen emotional battles players face even amid success. The pressure, criticism, and lack of trust nearly pushed him out of Camp Nou — but today, he stands stronger than ever.
With Flick’s faith and his teammates’ support, Raphinha has become a vital piece of Barcelona’s attack — a symbol of perseverance and belief. Once on the verge of departure, he now represents the resilience driving this new Barcelona forward.
His journey is a reminder that in football, true success is not only measured by goals and trophies — but by the courage to keep fighting when everyone else doubts you.
