Raphinha has been undisputed one of the best players in Europe’s top five leagues so far this season, racking up as many as eight goals in all competitions.
After being shockingly snubbed by the Ballon d’Or committee, as he wasn’t selected as one of the nominees, the Brazilian has been playing some of the best football of his life.
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And he now has the chance to write his name into Barcelona‘s history books.
Raphinha chasing a historic streak
Raphinha has been unstoppable this season. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Raphinha can become just the third player in Barcelona’s history to score in each of the first five matchdays of a LaLiga season.
The Brazilian has been in sensational form, netting six goals in his opening four league games, including the first penalty and the third against Elche, the opener against Athletic Club, a goal against Rayo Vallecano and the third against Valencia.
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He also scored a brace in Barcelona’s 5-1 Champions League win over Feyenoord.
Should he find the net against Valencia’s neighbours this weekend, Raphinha would join an exclusive club.
Only Cesar Rodriguez in 1950-51, who scored nine goals in that span, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2009-10, who managed six, have achieved the feat in a Barcelona shirt.
Remarkably, no player from any club has started a LaLiga season with a streak of this calibre since Ibrahimovic did so back in 2009.
Climbing Barcelona’s scoring charts
Raphinha is letting his football do the talking. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
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Raphinha’s prolific form is also propelling him up Barcelona’s all-time goalscoring list.
The Brazilian now has 83 goals for the club, a tally bettered only by Rivaldo, Evaristo, Neymar and Ronaldinho among Barcelona’s Brazilian scorers.
At his current rate, and with the added benefit of frequently operating as a false nine, he looks well placed to eventually top that list.
His importance has not gone unnoticed either, with sporting director Deco confirming this week that the club are already thinking about renewing his contract, which currently expires in 2028.
For now, though, Raphinha’s focus will be on the Levante match, where Hansi Flick is expected to ring in the changes.
