Raphinha produced an incredible hat-trick on Wednesday evening as he captained Barcelona to a 4-1 win over Bayern Munich, just over two years after leaving Leeds United.
Raphinha is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most in-form players this season after a stunning start to the 2024-25 campaign, in which the Brazil star has now had a hand in 17 goals in just 13 appearances.
In the summer of 2022, Raphinha left Leeds having scored and created 29 goals in his 67 games for the Whites. His two years at Leeds having joined from Glen Kamara’s Rennes feels like a world away, now.
After two solid seasons in which Raphinha was largely a rotational option, this season has seen the star go on to new heights. Last night being arguably, his best performance in a Barcelona shirt since the move.
Raphinha scores hat-trick for Barcelona in massive 4-1 victory
The former Sporting Lisbon star scored in the first minute, before Harry Kane equalised for the guests at the Nou Camp. However, Raphinha took the game by the scruff of the neck after Barcelona went 2-1 up.
Robert Lewandowski chose not to celebrate against his old side after scoring to put Barcelona in the lead, but Raphinha certainly did when netting his brace and then a perfectly-placed left-footed striker for three.
A gorgeous finish that was deserving of the matchball, Raphinha scored his seventh, eighth and ninth of the season. Under former Bayern boss Hansi Flick, Raphinha is thriving and wearing the captain armband.
How Harry Gray reacted watching Raphinha shine against Bayern
For youngsters like Harry Gray, watching Raphinha shine on the biggest club stage – a heavyweight clash between two of Europe’s largest clubs – it shows what is possible in the world of football.
Just two and a bit years ago, Raphinha was delighting Yorkshire with his flair and flamboyance at Elland Road and fast forward until now, he is scoring hat-tricks against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Gray took to Instagram after watching the former Leeds star shine, and he described him as “the best in the world”. Right now, there aren’t many better players in the world than Barcelona’s left-sided winger.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
