BARCELONA, 15/03/2026 – Brazilian FC Barcelona forward Raphinha celebrates after scoring the 1-0 goal during the LaLiga match between Barcelona and Sevilla at the Camp Nou in Barcelona on Sunday. EFE / Alberto Estevez
Returning home after a long journey is always pleasant, but it’s even better to rejoin your team after a month and a half on the sidelines with an injury—especially during a Clásico with a 2-0 lead on the scoreboard and the La Liga title within reach.
That’s how Raphinha once again slipped into his playing kit, having endured one of the toughest experiences of his life: the injury he suffered while on international duty during the late March break. Those five weeks out, coming at the most decisive stretch of the season with the Champions League at stake, weighed heavily on him.
So much so that the Barça player took nearly a week to return to Barcelona. He sought refuge with his family in Brazil, trying to process the blow and come back stronger. And he did just that—still emotionally affected, the Brazilian gradually rejoined training while his teammates pushed forward in La Liga but were eliminated from the Champions League.
The process culminated at the perfect moment: in the second half of the Clásico, Raphinha made his return. Five weeks of torment were left behind. He came on as a substitute for Rashford, who had actually scored the first goal. In the 64th minute, the crowd greeted him with a massive ovation.
And with good reason: Barça is already preparing for the title celebration—for the first time in their history after winning the Clásico against their eternal rivals. If there was ever an ideal moment to return to the team, it was this one.
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