Barcelona and Brazil winger Raphinha has admitted that he has produced better performances for his club than for the national team, saying his next challenge is to reach the same level with Brazil.
The 29-year-old forward made the comments while reflecting on his career and his contrasting form between club and international football.
Raphinha insisted he was being honest rather than making excuses, acknowledging that his performances for Barcelona have been stronger compared to his displays in Brazil’s famous yellow shirt.
“I have performed much more at Barça than with Brazil. I am not a hypocrite,” Raphinha said. “Now my challenge is to reach the same level with Brazil that I have reached in Barcelona.”
The Brazilian winger has become one of Barcelona’s most important attacking players since joining the club from Leeds United in 2022.
After initially facing competition for a starting position, Raphinha has developed into a key figure under different managers, contributing with goals, assists, creativity and leadership on the pitch.
His best period at Barcelona came during the 2024/25 season, when he played a major role in the club’s attacking success.
Alongside players such as Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha helped Barcelona compete for major trophies with his energy, pressing ability and attacking output.
However, his form with Brazil has often been questioned. Despite being a regular member of the national team since his debut in 2021, Raphinha has struggled to consistently reproduce his club performances at international level. Brazilian fans have expected more from him, especially considering his importance at Barcelona.
Raphinha said he sees the criticism as motivation rather than pressure. “If people now demand that I play for Brazil like I do at Barça, I take it as a compliment, because it means I have the ability to do it,” he added.
The winger believes his Barcelona success proves he has the quality to perform at the highest level for Brazil.
