Raphinha talks Flick, Neymar return, Ballon d’Or, future Brazil move | OneFootball

Barcelona winger Raphinha is enjoying the best moment of his career, having led the Blaugrana to within touching distance of a La Liga title, while already helping secure victories in both the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey.

With this extraordinary turnaround, the Brazilian has emerged as one of the most impactful players in Spanish football this season and is even being floated as a potential Ballon d’Or contender.

Despite the growing media buzz celebrating his name as a frontrunner for the award, Raphinha remains grounded. The Barça number 11 dismissed any personal ambition for individual accolades, saying:

“I don’t think about the Ballon d’Or, it’s not a goal that I have set for myself. But if I win it, it will be thanks to my work for the club and my country. My goal is to win titles with the team. The individual awards come later, and if not, nothing happens.”

Crediting Hansi Flick

Raphinha has credited Flick for his success. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

His humility, however, has not gone unnoticed, especially when considering the incredible turnaround he has led at Barça. One key figure behind that revival? Hansi Flick.

Raphinha didn’t shy away from crediting the German coach for the confidence and clarity that have revitalised his game.

“I stayed at Barça because of Flick. He told me that I was going to be important in his plans. He is someone who cares about the players… His human side, his concern, his impartiality… He wants to win with confidence,” the Brazilian said.

It is not just on the pitch where Raphinha has grown, as he has also become one of the leaders within the dressing room. Though he does not always wear the captain’s armband, his leadership is felt by all.

“Being elected captain made me very happy. It was my dream to play here, and wearing the captain’s armband made it much more special,” he said.

On Neymar and his return

Raphinha considers Neymar his idol. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

The Barcelona forward also touched on his close friendship with Neymar Jr., whom he still reveres as one of his idols. According to Raphinha, there were serious discussions between them about Neymar’s potential return to Barcelona.

“There was a lot of talk about Neymar’s return to Barça. I told him: ‘Come on, you know the club loves you, the fans love you, and everyone would love to have you back.’ But in the end, it didn’t depend on me or him,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Raphinha did not rule out the idea of returning to play in Brazil in the future, although for now, he remains fully committed to Barcelona.

“I think about playing in the Brazilian league one day,” he admitted. “But at the moment, I’m focused on Barça and nothing else.”

With a domestic double already secured and the La Liga crown within reach, Raphinha’s impact at Barcelona has never been more profound.

Source: SPORT