Ronaldo's Champions League record under threat as Raphinha surpasses Messi's tally

Yowza! Raphinha's Impressive Barcelona Season Nears Record-Breaking Finale Against Inter Milan

Look out, Champions League, because Brazilian winger Raphinha is on a roll this season! He shined once again in a thrilling 3-3 semi-final draw against Inter Milan, dishing out an assist to Ferran Torres as Barcelona fought back from a 2-0 deficit.

Raphinha's 20th goal contribution in the competition this season has him taking aim at Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 21 from the 2013/14 season with Real Madrid. And with Lionel Messi's most productive season in European competition in the rearview mirror, Raphinha's move to just one behind Luis Figo for most assists in a campaign is nothing short of sensational!

He almost added another goal to his tally, as his long-range blinder was thwarted by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer before bouncing off his back and into the net. Despite the keeper's touch, Raphinha's game-changing performances make him a European powerhouse with a staggering 52 goal contributions in all competitions under his belt.

Snagged from Leeds United for a cool €55million in 2022, the winger’s future at Barcelona seemed uncertain at times. Hansi Flick, however, has transformed the Brazilian into this season’s top player, claimed by many bookmakers as the favorite for the 2025 Ballon d'Or.

Alongside this European glory, Raphinha led Barcelona to their first title of the season, the Copa del Rey, in the final against rivals Real Madrid. With five games remaining in the LaLiga season, Barcelona are sitting pretty with a comfortable four-point lead over Real, and Raphinha will aim to continue his incredible form.

But beware, Raphinha is no stranger to suitors. In January, a mega-money offer from Saudi Arabia tempted the winger, but stellar performances under Hansi Flick have kept him firmly in Barcelona's grasp. He even admitted he might have taken that offer a year ago when things weren't going so well, but the allure of the LaLiga and Champions League crown has him firmly planted at Camp Nou.

If Raphinha manages to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 21 goal contributions in the Champions League, he will have bettered a fact established by one of the greatest sports figures in football history.
In the Premier League, it's common for players to transfer between clubs, but Raphinha's move from Leeds United to Barcelona for €55million showcases the range and complexity of modern sports transfers.
Raphinha's impressive form in the Champions League and his contributions to Barcelona's success have earned him the attention of many MMA analysts, who see parallels between his agility and technique and that of a top-tier mixed martial artist.
As Barcelona prepares to face Inter Milan in the Champions-League final, fans of European leagues will be keeping a close eye on how Raphinha's performance compares to other standout players of this season, such as Erling Haaland in the Bundesliga or Karim Benzema in Laliga.
Despite the temptation of a mega-money offer from Saudi Arabia in January, Raphinha chose to stay with Barcelona, prioritizing the chance to compete in the Champions League and the LaLiga over potential financial gains.
Raphinha's impressive performance this season, coupled with his leadership in Barcelona's Copa del Rey victory, has led many sports pundits to predict that he will be a strong contender for the 2025 Ballon d'Or.
With his 20 goal contributions in the Champions League this season and his stellar form in LaLiga, Raphinha is firmly establishing himself as one of the most versatile and dynamic players in world football, leaving a significant mark in the sport's history books.