A report credits Raphinha with 12 goals during Barcelona’s run of seven straight La Liga victories, with the Brazilian operating in a more central role. The shift has made him the focal point of an attack reshaped by departures.
Barcelona reportedly lost Robert Lewandowski at the end of his contract and sold Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain, while a move for Julián Álvarez did not materialise. Despite that, the Catalan club has opened a reported six-point advantage over Real Madrid, who have already suffered two defeats.
That form inevitably places Raphinha in the Ballon d’Or conversation. Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé remain prominent names, but a dominant campaign from Barcelona’s Brazilian leader would make him difficult to overlook.
The contrast in England is stark. Manchester City are reportedly perfect after their opening five Premier League matches, while Tottenham remain winless despite a major recruitment drive.
Tottenham’s recent league finishes have already raised questions about consistency, and the arrival of Roberto De Zerbi has yet to produce an immediate turnaround. The report says the club’s first goals of the campaign arrived only last weekend, underlining the scale of the problem.
Elsewhere, PSG have reportedly taken only two wins from five league games despite being European champions. Monaco lead the French table, while Ferran Torres has made a rapid impact in Paris, including a Champions League hat-trick, according to the report.
Clubs seeking an immediate lift may still turn to the market outside the formal window. Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Mauro Icardi are reportedly available, although their wages and fitness will shape any deal.
The next league rounds will test whether Barcelona’s surge is sustainable, whether City can maintain control and whether Tottenham can finally respond. The Ballon d’Or shortlist and the next transfer decisions will provide the next major verdicts.