Raphinha Nears Champions League Goal Contribution Record

Raphinha has become the first Barcelona player to record 20 goal contributions in a single Champions League campaign, surpassing Lionel Messi's best mark and moving closer to Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time record of 21 from the 2013–14 season. Although he did not score in Barcelona's 3–3 semifinal draw with Inter Milan, his assist was pivotal to the match. Raphinha has contributed in all but three Champions League matches this season, highlighting his consistency and significance to Barcelona’s resurgence under coach Hansi Flick. Lamine Yamal also made history by becoming the youngest ever scorer in a Champions League semifinal. Raphinha’s rise from a deadline-day transfer at Rennes to a Ballon d'Or frontrunner for Barcelona underscores his remarkable trajectory. With domestic and European titles still in play, Raphinha remains central to Barcelona’s ambitions.