Barcelona captain picks his ideal Champions League final opponent | OneFootball

Barcelona forward Raphinha is not the type to hide behind safe answers and that much was clear when he sat down for DAZN’s ‘Preguntas en pelotas’ (h/t SPORT). 

What started as a relaxed conversation quickly turned into something more revealing, especially when the topic shifted to his ambitions.

At a time when Barcelona are beginning to look like a serious force again in Europe, the Brazilian made it clear that confidence inside the dressing room is growing.

Barça in the final

When asked about his ideal Champions League final, Raphinha did not overthink it.  In fact, there was no attempt to play it down or sound cautious. 

Instead, he leaned straight into confidence, something that reflects the mood around this Barcelona side right now.

“I’m putting Barça in there because I’m sure we’ll be there. I hope so.”

And when it came to choosing an opponent, his answer was just as direct. “Paris. Barça against Paris Saint-Germain.”

World Cup final

Raphinha has picked his UCL final opponent. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The conversation then shifted to international football, and this is where things became more personal.

Raphinha was asked to imagine a World Cup final, and instead of giving a predictable answer, he chose a scenario that would genuinely test his emotions.

He said, “In the World Cup final, I’d love to see Brazil and Spain. It would be funny. My heart is torn.”

“If both clubs reach the final, I have to support my own and I’ll do everything to win for my country, but I’ll also be happy for my teammates.”

Lastly, when the conversation turned to winning, his response was less about celebration and more about meaning.

“If I win the Champions League with Barça, I’ll do it in Budapest and at the Camp Nou. 

“If I win the World Cup with Brazil, I’ll do it too, because it’s also a way of showing my gratitude to football and to the pitch, which is our sacred ground.”