'Raphinha one of the best' - Barcelona legend Romario feels Brazil star up there with world's elite

Barcelona legend and Brazil's all-time great Romario has lavished Raphinha with praise, calling the forward one of the best players in the world. Raphinha has been in incredible form for the Catalans this season, in what has been a sensational turnaround for the club under new manager Hansi Flick.

Raphinha was on the verge of being sold by the Catalans last summer. The 27-year-old arrived from Leeds United in 2022 and endured two underwhelming seasons under the tutelage of Xavi. After Xavi's sacking at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, Raphinha was among the club's list of potential sales to raise funds.

Flick, who was announced as Xavi's successor, had other plans, though. The German manager immediately counted upon Raphinha and has transformed him into an immensely effective player, as proved by his return of 12 goals and 10 assists in 17 games for Barca.

His displays have seen him become one of the first names on the team sheet under Flick, with Romario further claiming that Raphinha is among the very best players in the world.

“Barca now have a great team. They’ve won some good games and played well. I think we’ll be champions again this year,” Romario told Mundo Deportivo (h/t Barca Blaugranes).

“Raphinha is one of the best players today. He is one of the best in the world. He does very well with the Barca shirt and he is also doing very well with the Brazilian shirt. Raphinha is a pride for all Brazilians, he will give us very special things in football.”

Raphinha scored Brazil's lone goal in their frustrating 1-1 draw against Venezuela last week. The attention will now turn towards their next game in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers as they face a stern challenge from the in-form Uruguayans on Wednesday, November 20.