Hansi Flick has transformed Raphinha from a wide forward into Barça’s No. 9, and the Brazilian is already making the position his own with 9 goal contributions in 5 games this season. What started as a tactical solution is quickly becoming one of Flick’s most dangerous weapons.
From winger to No. 9
Flick’s decision to use Raphinha as a No. 9 comes amid a major reshaping of Barça’s attacking options.
Robert Lewandowski has left for Chicago Fire, while Ferran Torres has moved to PSG, removing two established options from the centre-forward position.
Hamza Abdelkarim remains inexperienced at the highest level, while Gabriel Jesus is still adapting to a new club and Flick’s system.
That has created an opening for Raphinha to take up a more central role, and Flick is making the most of it.
The Brazilian is not being used as a conventional No. 9.
Instead, he constantly moves across the front line, drops between the lines and attacks spaces behind the defence.
His pace, movement and relentless pressing also fit perfectly with the intensity Flick demands from his forwards.
With Raphinha offering both tactical flexibility and a proven eye for goal, Flick has found an unlikely solution to Barça’s No. 9 problem.
The numbers are impossible to ignore
Raphinha has responded emphatically to start the 2026/27 season.
With 8 goals and 1 assist in just five games, the Brazilian has produced the kind of numbers typically associated with an elite striker rather than a player who has spent most of his career operating from the wing.
His brace against Feyenoord in the Champions League has only strengthened the argument for keeping him in a central role, where his movement and finishing have become increasingly influential.
With 9 goal contributions already to his name, no player in Europe’s top five leagues has produced more in the 2026/27 season than Raphinha.
Flick’s trust and the captaincy
Hansi Flick’s faith in Raphinha extends beyond his performances on the pitch.
The Brazilian has been named Barcelona’s first-choice captain, becoming the first Brazilian permanent captain in the club’s history.
The current captaincy hierarchy is Raphinha first, followed by Pedri, Eric García, Frenkie de Jong and Lamine Yamal.
The decision highlights the level of trust Flick has placed in Raphinha and his growing importance as a leader within the locker room.
Hansi may have found his answer
The biggest question was whether Raphinha could replicate his threat through the middle.
So far, the answer has been clear.
He gives Barça goals without sacrificing the pressing, movement and intensity Flick demands.
More importantly, his success means the No. 9 position no longer looks like an obvious weakness.
What began as Flick’s tactical gamble may already be turning into Raphinha’s new identity.
