FC Barcelona: Rodri completely surprised by Raphinha

At FC Barcelona, Raphinha has won everyone over at the start of the season. Rodri has been completely impressed by the Brazilian international.

Having arrived at FC Barcelona this summer, Rodri (30, 6 La Liga appearances this season) has reunited with several of his Spain teammates. The former Manchester City player has also had the chance to get a closer look at Raphinha (29, 7 appearances and 12 goals in La Liga this season).

The best player of the 2026 World Cup did not hide his surprise at the Brazilian forward's development. "He is the player who has surprised me the most by far. I told him: 'Wait, weren't you playing on the wing at Leeds, cutting inside and scoring a goal every now and then? And now you're playing as a No. 9—it blows my mind... I don't understand how he isn't among the 30 nominees for the Ballon d'Or,' Rodri said in an interview with El Partidazo de COPE.

Read also: 2026 Ballon d'Or: "he deserves it", Ousmane Dembélé has made his choice

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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