The Flick Flip: From ‘Fake Brazilian’ To Blaugrana Hero

Barcelona superstar Raphinha continues his blistering goalscoring record against Real Madrid. His brace helped Barcelona beat their arch-rivals 3–2 in a thrilling contest in Saudi Arabia, retaining the Spanish Super Cup, something no team has achieved since Barcelona’s own record under Pep Guardiola in the 2011–2012 season.

Manager–player combinations are nothing new in football. We have seen several players reach their supreme versions when trusted and given freedom on the pitch. The Pep Guardiola–Lionel Messi, Sir Alex Ferguson–Cristiano Ronaldo, José Mourinho–Didier Drogba, and Arsène Wenger–Thierry Henry partnerships are among the standout examples. The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah witnessed yet another peak combination: Hansi Flick and Raphinha. Raphinha broke the deadlock twice to put Barcelona ahead (36’ and 73’), sealing the game and the Super Cup title on Sunday.

The captivating performance by the Brazilian international is now being praised worldwide. He has certainly earned a savior-like impression among the Blaugranas. But there was a time when his performances and attitude were widely criticized. Raphinha arrived at the club in 2022, when Barcelona were in a transitional phase under Xavi Hernández. However, his first couple of seasons led many fans and pundits to label him a “flop signing” and even a “fake Brazilian.”

Barcelona splashed around €58 million on the left-footed winger during a period of severe financial strain. Expectations were sky-high, as anyone playing on the right flank was inevitably compared to club legend Lionel Messi. Fans expected instant magic, goals, dribbles, and flair, expectations that were perhaps too much for a player arriving from Leeds United and facing tactical confusion. Under Xavi, Raphinha was often moved around the forward line instead of being consistently deployed in his best position, hindering his rhythm and effectiveness.

In the 2023 Europa League match against Manchester United, despite scoring and assisting, he was substituted early by Xavi. This raised questions about the coach’s trust in him and his utility in big fixtures. Raphinha’s body language when subbed off was misinterpreted as impatience and a lack of respect for the club, causing sections of the fanbase to turn against him. Barcelona nearly sold him in 2024, and Raphinha himself admitted that adaptation had been difficult and that he even considered leaving.

Later in 2024, the arrival of Hansi Flick, known for quick attacking transitions, high pressing, and unwavering trust in his players regardless of past performances, became the springboard for one of the deadliest manager–player combinations in modern football. Flick gave Raphinha the freedom to attack while maintaining tactical structure. This gradually unleashed the monster within him, evident from the very beginning through vital performances against Real Sociedad and Valencia.

His displays against their biggest rivals, Real Madrid, in all four victories last season, the December 2025 Super Cup final, and his sumptuous Champions League performances against elite teams such as Bayern Munich, Benfica, Dortmund, and Inter Milan made his redemption arc irresistible. Finishing as the top scorer last season with 13 goals and 8 assists, and registering a staggering 21 goal contributions in just 14 appearances, Raphinha played an inevitable role in Barcelona winning another La Liga title.

Raphinha’s consistency and mentality established him as one of Europe’s most dangerous wide forwards, leading his team from the front, with or without the armband. Despite early criticism and doubt, he is now among the fan favourites and is even being compared to Neymar, the club’s former No.11 Brazilian attacker. He was also one of the strongest contenders for the Ballon d’Or last season.

Despite all this, the club’s attempts to replace him with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, following Williams’ impressive Euro Cup performances with Spain and his chemistry with international teammate Lamine Yamal, sparked needless controversy at both clubs. Barcelona even printed Williams’ name on the No.11 jersey, seemingly hoping Raphinha would leave. But the Brazilian mentality monster stood firm against all odds and continues to shoulder offensive responsibility, delivering whenever the team needs him.

As things stand, Raphinha is no longer just a winger but the heart and leader of the team both on and off the pitch. Barcelona appeared to struggle at the beginning of the season without him, with fans citing his absence as a major factor behind poor La Liga results and the defeat in the first Clásico of the season. That argument now seems justified, given the turnaround in results following his return, culminating in another prestigious trophy secured through his brilliance.

The club and its fans now hope that Raphinha’s long and injury-free run can guide Barcelona to another La Liga title, where they currently lead by four points, and finally to the long-awaited Champions League glory, something they have not achieved for over a decade.