“He Changed My Career”: Raphinha Hails Hansi Flick Ahead of El Clasico Showdown
As anticipation builds ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid, Brazilian winger Raphinha has paid glowing tribute to Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, crediting him for the biggest turning point in his football career.
In a heartfelt statement shared by trusted transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, Raphinha said:
“I will be forever grateful to Hansi Flick. He changed my entire career. He wanted to see me train before taking any decision with my future. He saw me in his plans. Without Flick, I would maybe be at another club and not at Barça now.”
It’s a bold declaration from a player who, just a season ago, was at the fringes of Barcelona’s plans. Now, under Flick’s guidance, Raphinha is thriving, racking up a staggering 32 goals and 25 assists in 51 matches across all competitions this season.
He’s also joint-top scorer in the UEFA Champions League alongside Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, with 13 goals — a statistic that has put him firmly in contention for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, with Brazilian icon Rivaldo already throwing his support behind him.
💬 Opinion: Raphinha’s Redemption — From Doubt to Dominance
What a turnaround for a player once rumored to be on his way out of Camp Nou. Raphinha’s resurgence is not just about stats — it’s about faith, opportunity, and reinvention.
Hansi Flick’s belief in giving him a clean slate has unlocked the Raphinha we saw flashes of at Leeds United — but now with elite finishing, Champions League poise, and positional maturity. It's rare to see such a meteoric rise in a single season, and even rarer to see a manager's trust transform a player so completely.
As El Clasico approaches, all eyes may be on Vinicius and Bellingham — but if Raphinha delivers on the big stage yet again, it could be the clearest sign yet that the Ballon d’Or buzz isn’t just hype — it’s destiny.
🔥 Can Raphinha outshine Madrid’s stars and seal his Ballon d’Or claim on El Clasico night?
Join the conversation with #Raphinha #FlickMagic #BallonDor2025 #BarcaMadrid #ElClasico2025.
