In a dazzling display of skill and precision, Barcelona winger Raphinha etched his name alongside football legend Lionel Messi in the club’s history books during a resounding 4-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg on April 9, 2025. The Brazilian star’s standout performance, which included a goal and two assists, saw him match Messi’s long-standing record for the most goal involvements in a single Champions League season for Barcelona, a feat that has sent shockwaves through the football world.
Raphinha’s night of brilliance began in the 25th minute when he slid in to poke home the opener, capitalizing on a flick from teenage defender Pau Cubarsi off a set-piece. His influence only grew after the break, as he set up Robert Lewandowski for Barcelona’s second goal with a pinpoint header across the box, before delivering a perfectly weighted pass to 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal to seal the rout in the 77th minute. With this performance, Raphinha brought his Champions League tally for the 2024/25 season to 12 goals and 7 assists, totaling 19 direct goal involvements—equalling Messi’s remarkable 2011/12 campaign, where the Argentine maestro scored 14 goals and provided 5 assists.
The achievement places Raphinha in elite company, with only Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski (20 in 2019/20) and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo (20 in 2015/16 and 21 in 2013/14) surpassing this mark in Champions League history. What makes Raphinha’s feat even more extraordinary is that he has potentially four matches remaining in the competition—should Barcelona advance to the final—offering him a chance to not only break Messi’s club record but also chase down Ronaldo’s all-time single-season milestone of 21 goal involvements.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick praised Raphinha’s relentless form, saying, “He’s been phenomenal for us this season. His work rate, his quality, his ability to make a difference—it’s no surprise he’s reaching these heights. He’s a leader on this team.” The victory at the Montjuic Stadium underscored Barcelona’s credentials as serious contenders for their first Champions League title since 2015, with Raphinha emerging as the heartbeat of Flick’s attacking revolution.
The 28-year-old Brazilian, who joined Barcelona from Leeds United in 2022, has silenced doub critics who questioned his consistency in previous seasons. His 19 goal contributions in just 11 Champions League appearances this term—coupled with a staggering 27 goals and 20 assists across all competitions in 44 matches—have thrust him into the conversation for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, a prize last won by a Barcelona player in 2021 by none other than Messi himself.