Raphinha admits Saudi offer “would’ve changed my life” but credits Hansi Flick for sparking Ballon d’Or-worthy Barcelona revival

Raphinha’s 2024–25 campaign will go down as one of the great Barcelona comeback stories — but it was nearly one that never happened. The Brazilian winger, once on the verge of leaving Camp Nou for a life-changing move to Saudi Arabia, has revealed that a single phone call from coach Hansi Flick convinced him to stay and ultimately transformed his career.

In the summer of 2024, Barcelona were mired in financial and sporting uncertainty. Raphinha, who had joined from Leeds United in 2022, had struggled to find consistent form during his first two seasons in Spain. His future was uncertain, and the Catalan giants were reportedly willing to sell him to balance their books.

“I was seriously considering leaving after the Copa América,” the 28-year-old told ESPN. “Mentally, I wasn’t in a good place. Every day there were rumours about me — which team I’d join, when I’d leave. Then Flick called me. He spoke to me not just as a coach, but as a person. That changed everything.”

The turning point came amid an enormous offer from Saudi Arabia. Reports in April 2024 linked Al-Hilal with a €100 million transfer fee and a four-year deal worth €170 million. “It was an offer that would have changed my life,” Raphinha admitted. “It would have taken care of my family and my son forever. I won’t lie — I was tempted.”

Yet Flick’s arrival at Barça proved decisive. “He called me before pre-season, and when we met, he convinced me to stay. I’m glad he did,” Raphinha added.

What followed was a season few could have predicted. The Porto Alegre-born forward exploded into form, scoring 34 goals and providing 26 assists in 57 appearances. He became the heartbeat of Flick’s rejuvenated side, shining in the Champions League with a hat-trick against Bayern Munich and a last-minute winner at San Siro in the semi-finals against Inter. He also scored multiple goals against Real Madrid in El Clásico, restoring his reputation as one of Europe’s elite wingers.

Raphinha’s stunning performances culminated in a fifth-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or standings — a personal milestone that capped a year of redemption and resilience.

From a player on the brink of departure to a genuine contender for world football’s top individual honour, Raphinha’s story is a testament to belief, perseverance, and the power of one crucial conversation.

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