Raphinha resurgence at FC Barcelona is quickly reshaping the club identity and Brazil outlook

Raphinha's resurgence at FC Barcelona is quickly reshaping both the club's identity and Brazil's outlook ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as the 28-year-old forward has emerged as the engine that now drives the Catalan attack.

Once viewed primarily as a wide player, Raphinha has evolved into Barcelona's most influential attacking catalyst, a transformation that is paying immediate dividends in LaLiga and is beginning to echo at international level. Barcelona's recent comeback win over Atlético Madrid 3-1 offered a clear snapshot of his growing influence.

In a match brought forward due to the Spanish Super Cup schedule, the blaugrana found themselves trailing before turning the game on its head with late goals from Raphinha, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres. The victory extended Barcelona's lead at the top of the table and reinforced the sense that Hansi Flick's side is rediscovering its authority in domestic competition.

A player of mutiple positions

What makes this version of Raphinha particularly significant is the role he now plays within Flick's system. Originally deployed on the right wing, his responsibilities shifted as Lamine Yamal burst onto the scene and claimed that flank as his own. Rather than marginalizing one of Barcelona's most productive attackers, Flick repositioned Raphinha into a central playmaking role operating just off the striker.

The move has unlocked a different dimension to his game, allowing him to combine defensive work rate with creative responsibility in the final third. The numbers reflect how seamlessly he has adapted. In just 11 matches across LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League, Raphinha has already produced six goals and five assists as an attacking midfielder, a return that rivals any playmaker in Europe during the same span.

Flick has not been shy in his praise, describing the Brazilian as a complete player who initiates the press, contributes defensively, and possesses the quality to both score and deliver decisive passes in tight spaces. The transition was not without hesitation from the player himself.

Raphinha was hesitant at first

Raphinha admitted in a recent interview that he initially resisted the idea of moving from his familiar wing position into a more central role. Over time, however, he came to accept that adaptability is non-negotiable at elite clubs and within elite national teams, a realization that now looks like a turning point in his career. The results have validated the decision on both the tactical and personal levels.

That evolution is especially meaningful for Brazil, who have been searching for a stable creative presence since Neymar's long injury absence removed their established focal point. With Vinícius Júnior often operating from the flank, the central attacking responsibilities have rotated between players such as Lucas Paquetá and Rodrygo, particularly during the Copa América, but without a clear owner of the role.

Raphinha's comfort in his new Barcelona position is now translating into renewed confidence in a Brazil shirt, offering the Seleção a more natural solution in advanced central areas. He has also embraced the leadership demands that come with added responsibility, whether orchestrating play or stepping into high-pressure situations such as penalty duty. His willingness to adapt, compete for roles, and shoulder pressure reflects a maturity that Brazil's national team has lacked in that zone since Neymar's absence.