Raphinha enjoyed the season of his life in Barcelona in 2024/25 with the Brazilian now in the race to win the Ballon d'Or.
The Brazilian international ended the campaign with an incredible 34 goals in all competitions that were only improved by Robert Lewandowski in the Barcelona team.
13 goals in the UEFA Champions League saw him share the Top Scorer Award with Borussia Dortmund -Spits Serhou Guirassy after a sensational year.
The debut season of Hansi Flick in Barcelona was packed with a trophy -Treble after beating Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercup Finals and the end of Carlo Ancelotti's La Liga title defense.
Raphinha has previously admitted that in 2024 he came close to leaving Barcelona, amid the interest of the Saudi Pro League interest, but a transformation has seen in the last 12 months.
The role of Raphinha under Xavi Hernandez was unclear, but the arrival of Flick for the 2024/25 season has changed for him.
A permanent place next to Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal has made Barcelona one of the deadliest attacks in European football and the former Leeds United wing player is clear about what the turning point has been.
“Flick made sure that I felt important where I didn't feel like that, I saw myself more as an outsider than as an insider,” according to an interview with Mundo Deportivo.
“I have always worked that way, but he has let me explode. The coach's confidence is everything. It has changed my career and my life. This has been the best season of my life.”
With Barcelona who is not involved in the FIFA Club World Cup, Raphinha will have a solid break this summer, as soon as Brazil is completed.
The 28-year-old was recorded in Ancelotti's first Brazilian team for two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifications against Ecuador and Paraguay on 5 and 10 June respectively.