Barcelona make it a mission to help key superstar rediscover best form after painful World Cup | OneFootball

According to Joaquim Piera of SPORT, Barcelona have made it a priority to help Raphinha leave behind an injury-plagued campaign and rediscover the outstanding form that once placed him among football’s elite.

The 29-year-old winger endured an injury-riddled campaign which followed him at the World Cup as well. Meanwhile, there are growing rumours of interest from Saudi Arabia, casting doubts over his future.

But Barça have made it a mission to help Raphinha return to his best after a difficult season.

A painful World Cup

For Raphinha, the 2026 World Cup proved particularly difficult. Following Brazil’s disappointing opening match against Morocco, the Barcelona winger became the main target of criticism.

The situation became even worse on 19 June, during Brazil’s second group-stage match against Haiti when he suffered another injury to the biceps femoris muscle in his right thigh, the same muscle that had already caused him major problems earlier in the season.

Although he was later medically cleared and included on the bench for Brazil’s Round of 16 defeat against Norway, he never returned to action before the team’s elimination.

Raphinha suffered an injury at the World Cup. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

It was another frustrating setback involving the same muscle that had forced him to miss five weeks after suffering an injury while representing Brazil during the March international break.

Al-Hilal waiting for an answer

Amidst all this, Raphinha faces two important challenges. The first is putting the disappointment of the World Cup behind him. The second is deciding whether to accept the offer made by Al-Hilal.

The Saudi club are looking to sign a globally recognised attacking star and are pressing for a decision, having presented him with a lucrative offer.

Barcelona, currently negotiating separately with Al-Hilal regarding Joao Cancelo, have no official confirmation of the offer. For now, all indications suggest that Raphinha intends to remain at Barcelona.

Turning the page

Should he stay, Barcelona’s focus will be helping him recover the outstanding form he displayed during the 2024/25 season, when his performances placed him among the contenders for football’s biggest individual awards.

Barcelona want the best version of Raphinha back. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The club’s first objective will be reducing the recurring muscular injuries that limited him throughout the campaign and kept him sidelined for more than four months in total.

Barcelona believe the player’s own determination to return quickly may have contributed to several setbacks.

To avoid repeating those problems, changes are expected in several areas of Raphinha’s preparation.

Barcelona intend to review his physical conditioning programme, recovery methods, and daily training and lifestyle habits.

Their goal is not simply to have the Brazilian available, but to help him rediscover the explosive, decisive version that once looked capable of competing for football’s greatest individual honours.