Raphinha reveals how he’s no longer the player he was at Leeds after changes at Barcelona
Leeds United have watched on as Raphinha has continued developing into a Ballon d’Or contendor with Barcelona.
Daniel Farke never got the chance to coach the Brazilian star at Elland Road, as Leeds sold Raphinha to Barcelona in the summer of 2022.
The winger finished fifth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony, showcasing just how far he’s come since leaving LS11.
But Leeds fans were aware of Raphinha’s star quality all along, with the attacker proving his ability has no ceiling.
However, the 29-year-old has admitted that he’s had to adapt since departing from Elland Road.
Raphinha admits to change at Barcelona since days under Marcelo Bielsa
Raphinha was a defender’s worst nightmare under Marcelo Bielsa, constantly pressing and acting as a creative outlet.
He was an important part of what the Whites described as ‘Bielsa ball’, which helped Leeds establish themselves in the Premier League once again, after gaining promotion during the 2019-20 season.
However, Raphinha appears to believe that he has adapted as a player due to changes at Barcelona.
- Despite falling short in the chase for last year’s Ballon d’Or award, Raphinha still individually stood out from the rest through objective date
- Raphinha was named Sofascore’s best La Liga player of the season last campaign, with a rating of 7.80
- He was also named Sofascore‘s best Champions League player of the season, with a rating of 8.24
- These Players of the Season trophies were based on performance and rating, not popularity votes
While speaking with Sofascore in a recent interview, the ex-Leeds star explained why he now sees himself as a different player than he was for the Whites.
Raphinha said: “I’m very self-critical. Sometimes I relax in moments I shouldn’t. Today I see myself more as a playmaker, someone who thinks fast and positions well.”
Raphinha was the opposite of relaxed for the Whites, constantly buzzing about in the final third, and looking to make something happen, whether that be goals or assists.
Bielsa would have the forward pressing backline relentlessly through 90 minutes, which he doesn’t appear to do anymore in Spain.
Raphinha shares thoughts on future coaching career; will he take after Bielsa?
Raphinha was always a very tactically smart player, who had a high footballing IQ, as most players needed to have to excel under Bielsa.
Many players now transition into coaches after their playing career comes to an end, and the left-winger may soon have to start planning for what’s next, with him now 29 years old.
| Games | 13 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 3 |
In a question proposed by Sofascore, Raphinha was questioned on his thoughts on becoming a head coach after he retires.
“Coaching? No way. The coach’s life is too demanding. You arrive before everyone, leave after everyone, and practically live in hotels. It’s not fair to your family,” Raphinha said.
So it looks like the Brazilian won’t return to Elland Road one day as the next Bielsa, but Leeds fans will surely wish him all the best in his attempts to capture the Ballon d’Or this time round.
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