One of the best players for Leeds United in recent years has been Raphinha.
Signed for just £17million in 2020, Raphinha was a force to be reckoned with during his two years at Leeds and was a star in the team.
The Brazil international winger scored 17 goals and gave 12 assists in 65 appearances in the Premier League for the Whites.
There was no surprise when Barcelona came calling in the summer of 2022 and snapped up the winger from Leeds for £49million.
Things were not all rosy for Raphinha at Barcelona initially, but under Hansi Flick this season, the 27-year-old is flourishing and is continuing to grow. Raphinha recently destroyed Real Madrid.
The winger has scored seven goals and given six assists in 12 La Liga starts and has scored five goals and provided two assists in four UEFA Champions League games for Barcelona so far this season. Raphinha scored a hat-trick against Bayern Munich.
Raphinha is part of the current Brazil squad as well. The winger scored for his national team with a superb free kick in the 43rd minute of the match against Venezuela.
How Brazilian media rated Raphinha’s performance for Brazil vs Venezuela
The CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifier ended in a 1-1 draw, and the Brazilian media was impressed.
Rating Raphinha 7.5 out of 10, Globo noted about Raphinha: “Another one who has a season of impressive regularity, either with the Barcelona or the national team.
“He comes inside, gives option on the outside, and continues practically all the moves. He scored another great goal with a free kick.”
Leeds United fans react to Raphinha heroics
Leeds fans have fond memories of Raphinha, and many of them were very pleased to see their former star turn on the style for Brazil.
As you can see below, many Leeds supporters are very happy for the 27-year-old.
“At this rate, he’ll be a Ballon D’or winner for 2025,” said @bassett442, while @BeunoBielsa added: “Right now he’s even better than he was at Leeds as well.”
“How Orta pulled that rabbit out, idk haha,” posted @MOT_Chicagoland, with @edrhodes6 saying: “Top 5 in the world right now, he was great for us, worra talent. Defo best player for us since (say it quietly Cantona / Kewell). Marsch had him wingback on long throws.”
Another user, @tedatkinson, said “The best player in the world right now.”
Next up for Brazil is a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on Tuesday evening, which will see Raphinha go up against his former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, in a clash that plenty of Whites fans will no doubt be keeping a keen eye on.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
