Barcelona forward nearing personal milestone in crucial Bayern battle

Barcelona forward Raphinha is on the verge of reaching a significant personal milestone as he approaches his 100th appearance for the club. 

This momentous occasion is set to take place in the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich at home. 

For the Brazilian, this match is more than just another game; it marks his journey to becoming a key player for Barcelona since his arrival.

Deserved ovations against Sevilla

It must be noted that Raphinha recently received an outpouring of appreciation from the fans during Barcelona’s match against Sevilla. 

He was given two standing ovations: one after the break and another when manager Hansi Flick decided to substitute him. These moments of recognition came during his 99th match for Barcelona, making his 100th appearance even more special. 

Raphinha will play his 100th game for Barcelona on Wednesday. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Raphinha now joins the ranks of teammates like Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde, who also recently celebrated their own milestones.

How has Raphinha performed?

Since joining the club, the Brazilian’s contributions have been undeniable. In the 2022-2023 season, he played 50 matches, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists. 

During the 2023-2024 season, he appeared in 37 matches, with the same number of goals (10) but slightly increasing his assists to 13. 

So far, in the current 2024-2025 campaign, Raphinha has played 12 matches, already amassing 6 goals and 7 assists. This brings his total to 99 appearances for Barcelona, with 26 goals and 32 assists across all competitions.

The Brazilian winger has firmly established himself as a vital part of the team. His €55 million transfer fee has proven to be a worthwhile investment, with his on-field performances justifying the amount Barcelona spent to secure his services. 

Now, as he nears his 100th appearance, he does so in excellent form, showing that he is capable of breaking his own records while contributing to the team’s success.