Raphinha has caused a bit of noise around Europe again after stating that he didn’t come to Barcelona just to wear the shirt but to win the Champions League as his main objective. Softfootball understands that Raphinha returns to the Barcelona team in their recent dominant home win against Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, Raphinha was asked if Barcelona are the favourite candidates to win the UEFA Champions League.
He said:
Raphinha: Candidates to win the UCL? If you look at all my interviews about the Champions League, I’ve always said that when you play for this club, the main objective has to be winning the Champions League. That has been my goal since I arrived.
also stating that winning the Champions League has been his goal since he arrived at the club. Just before this huge clash against Chelsea in the Champions League, his confidence is starting to match the way he has been playing these couple of seasons, and you can kind of see why he talks that boldly now.
Barcelona now find themselves sitting in eleventh place with seven points from their opening four matches, and they know a victory against Chelsea is essential if they want to strengthen their position in the group and keep control of their Champions League fate.
Under Hansi Flick, this whole team looks more alive. Young players like Lamine Yamal and Pedri are mixing well with a more confident Raphinha, who, for a couple of seasons, suddenly plays like someone carrying the team without trying to pretend about it.
It’s been ten long years since the 2015 Champions League win. Maybe this still might fall short, but judging by his form, Raphinha genuinely believes 2025 could be the year Barcelona rises back to the top.
