Barcelona superstar emerges as an early contender for the Golden Boot award | OneFootball

Raphinha may have been excluded from this year’s Ballon d’Or nominees, but the forward has already been setting the trend for next year’s edition.

Adopting a new false nine role this season, the Brazilian international has racked up 14 goals in just eight competitive matches in all competitions, playing a central role in Barcelona’s early success.

Before the conversation for next year’s Ballon d’Or even starts, Raphinha has already emerged as one of the strong contenders for the Golden Boot award.

Second in the race

As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Raphinha currently sits second in the race for the European Golden Boot, thanks to his 12 goals in La Liga.

The combination of Yamal and Raphinha have been terrifying. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

The Golden Boot awards points based on a coefficient system, with goals in Europe’s big five leagues worth two points each.

That leaves Raphinha on 24 points, bettered only by Benin’s Ede Okolo, who has amassed 25 goals in Latvia, having already played half a season there.

Raphinha is the only player from Europe’s five major leagues currently in the top 10. The next best scorers in the big leagues are also from LaLiga, with Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Camello all on seven goals.

His scoring exploits have also placed him in exclusive company at Barcelona. Only Mariano Martin, back in the 1943-44 season, has scored as many league goals for the club at this stage.

Chasing history

Yamal has set the trends for next year’s Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Should Raphinha maintain his current rate, he could etch his name into the record books in remarkable fashion.

Projected over a full campaign, the Brazilian would finish with a staggering 66 LaLiga goals, a figure that would obliterate the current record of 50, set by Lionel Messi in the 2011-12 season.

Winning the Golden Boot would also see Raphinha become just the third Brazilian to claim the award, following in the footsteps of Ronaldo Nazario, who scored 36 goals for Barcelona in 1996-97, and Mario Jardel, a two-time winner.