Raphinha joins Barcelona as the club leads La Liga
Barcelona, which finished the 2025 season with 79 points and a five‑game winning streak (WWWWW), welcomed Brazilian winger Raphinha on July 29 at St. George's Park, England. The player, signed after the 2026 World Cup, must undergo a medical assessment for a right hamstring issue.
What happened on Raphinha's arrival?
The Brazilian forward, who signed his contract the same day, joined the training camp led by Hansi Flick. The injury surfaced during Brazil's match against Haiti at the World Cup, and Barcelona's medical staff will review it before allowing full participation in training.
Why does this matter for Barcelona?
With four internationals already back-Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Hamza Abdelkarim and now Raphinha- the team aims to boost its attack while keeping a 9‑point lead over Real Madrid. A swift recovery could add pace and creativity up front, essential for preserving the top spot.
What’s next for the player and the squad?
If the assessment clears him, Raphinha will join collective work before August 12, the date Flick expects most of his squad to be available. Meanwhile, the club prepares for its upcoming away fixture against Athletic Club (11th) on February 28, 2027.
Current Barcelona context
In the final 2025 table, Barcelona sits first with 79 points, 26 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses, having scored 84 goals and conceded 30 for a +54 goal difference. The recent form (WWWWW) highlights the need to sustain momentum heading into the 2026‑27 campaign.
