Hansi Flick’s switch turns Raphinha into Barcelona’s No. 9
Barcelona forward Raphinha has been converted into the club’s No. 9 by coach Hansi Flick this season, and has scored 14 goals in eight matches across competitions as of October 3, 2026. His 12 goals in seven LaLiga games have put him atop the scoring chart ahead of Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé.
Barcelona entered the close season seeking a centre‑forward after Robert Lewandowski left for Major League Soccer, with Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez and Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martínez high on the club’s list; the pursuit of Álvarez, which became protracted, ended without a signing. The club did bring in Gabriel Jesus as a rotational option, but the attacking answer has come from within as Raphinha moved from a hybrid attacking‑midfielder/right‑wing role into a central striker position. “The idea was to bring in a forward with good movement and the ability to link up with others, and Julian [Alvarez] was one such player,” said Barcelona sporting director Deco. “We are happy because we discovered a new face of Raphinha. But more important is that he’s happy too. It is different for him, because sometimes he’s not in contact with the ball all the time like he used to. He needs to be prepared to attack behind the defenders. We expected that he could do well, but not at this level.”
Raphinha’s path to this role included a low point under Xavi Hernández, when he was convinced he would leave the club two years ago; Flick’s arrival in 2024 is presented as the turning point. The Brazilian prospered under Flick and was named captain at the start of the season after Ronald Araújo and Marc‑André ter Stegen departed and Frenkie de Jong was sidelined with a knee injury. Of Raphinha’s total Barcelona goals, 69 have come under Flick, who has led the Catalans to LaLiga titles in each of his two seasons.
On the tactical shift, Raphinha recounted the process: “In pre-season we did a few tests: the manager liked what he saw and told me a bit about his idea,” and added, “The adaptation came over the last two years, getting used to coming inside, closer to goal. But we tested [me as] an actual No. 9 and it went well. “There’s the occasional detail that has to be explained, but I’m OK. Before Elche [on the opening day], he asked if I was comfortable there or wanted to go back to my position. I said it was fine, see how it goes, we can always change back.” He also acknowledged early uncertainty about the role: “Yes, I had doubts,” he told Rac+1. “Because people judge you for goals, at the end of the day, you’re playing as a striker. And then there’s the fact that you’re playing in the spot where the one and only Robert Lewandowski played. So if you don’t score goals, people judge you for that, they demand that from you.”
Raphinha’s scoring run has been prolific: Barcelona have scored 31 goals in seven straight league wins — an average of 4.3 goals per match — and the club is described as having the hottest attack in Europe. Raphinha has produced consecutive hat‑tricks, the second coming at the Ramón Sánchez‑Pizjuán when Barcelona were 1‑0 down to Sevilla after 19 minutes; he completed a perfect hat‑trick with three different finishes. The first came from a diagonal in‑to‑out run onto Andreas Christensen’s pass, a feint that put his marker on the ground and a right‑footed finish to the far corner; the second was a header from a Lamine Yamal cross after a run from the defender’s blindside; the third was a chipped finish with his stronger left foot following an out‑to‑in run.
Flick praised Raphinha after the Sevilla game, saying: “We know the quality of Raphinha. He gives us a lot, his dynamic is top but also without the ball he’s good. He has that incredible hunger and intensity, the mentality and attitude we need. After these eight games, I think he’s very happy to play as a No. 9.”
Since joining Barcelona in 2022, Raphinha has scored 89 goals in 185 appearances for the club, placing him among the top 30 scorers in the club’s history; he needs five more goals to equal Ronaldinho. On his relationship with Flick Raphinha told DAZN: “I’ve always said it and I will always say it, he’s the manager that changed both my mentality within the club and also what I thought about myself,” and added, “I’m very grateful for him, and I will demonstrate it whenever I can.” He also spoke to RAC1 about his future: “Given the way I’ve started the season, I think I can keep going for a few more years. I’m in spectacular physical shape so [retirement] is some way off. I would be very happy to extend my contract and, hopefully, finish my career here without having to go elsewhere,” and said, “It’s always important to keep in mind that you need to improve in some areas. I’ll never say I’m at my peak, because I always try to improve as much as I can. There’s surely something more I can contribute to the team than what I’m currently giving.”
Raphinha’s hat‑trick at the Ramón Sánchez‑Pizjuán arrived in Barcelona’s final league fixture before the international break, capping a run that has produced seven consecutive LaLiga victories for the club.
