Raphinha Outscores Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland This Season
The Brazilian is off to a sensational start with Barcelona. A tactical switch and remarkable finishing have fueled a scoring streak that is turning heads across European football.
FC Barcelona have found one of European football’s most lethal attacking threats in Raphinha. The Brazilian is enjoying a spectacular start to the season, and his numbers already surpass those of two of the game’s biggest goal scorers: Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. His transformation under Hansi Flick has made him a leading contender in the race for the Pichichi Trophy and one of the players to watch across Europe’s top leagues.
RAPHINHA LEADS THE GOAL-SCORING RACE
After nine appearances in the 2026-27 LaLiga season, Raphinha has scored 13 goals, two more than Real Madrid’s Mbappé and four more than Manchester City striker Haaland, according to statistics published on October 27.
The Brazilian also leads the comparison among the three when all official competitions are taken into account. He has recorded 15 goals in 11 matches, including 13 in the Spanish league and two in the UEFA Champions League. Mbappé has scored 14 goals for Los Blancos, while Haaland has netted 13 for the Citizens.
The Barcelona captain’s efficiency becomes even more impressive when his playing time is considered. His 13 league goals have come in just 661 minutes, averaging approximately one goal every 51 minutes. Ten of those strikes have come from open play, while the other three were penalties.
THE TACTICAL CHANGE BEHIND THE BRAZILIAN’S EXPLOSION
One of the main factors behind Raphinha’s outstanding form has been Hansi Flick’s decision to deploy him as a center-forward, a departure from the winger role he occupied for much of his Barcelona career.
From that position, the Brazilian international makes better use of space, attacks the penalty area more frequently and maintains his ability to press opposing defenders. His connections with players such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Dani Olmo also give him more opportunities to get on the scoresheet.
The positional change is reflected in his career numbers. Raphinha scored 34 goals in 57 appearances during the 2024-25 campaign, his most prolific season to date. In 2025-26, he added 21 goals across all competitions.
A RECORD-BREAKING START RAISES EXPECTATIONS
The Brazilian has also made history at Barcelona. After his first eight appearances of the season, he reached 14 goals across all competitions, surpassing the 13 scored by César Rodríguez at the start of the 1948-49 campaign.
With much of the season still to come, Raphinha is already competing statistically with some of the continent’s most prolific forwards. His next challenge will be to maintain this remarkable pace and turn his explosive start into a campaign that establishes him among the world’s elite goal scorers.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM RAPHINHA’S SCORING EXPLOSION
- ⚽ AHEAD OF MBAPPÉ AND HAALAND: He has scored 13 LaLiga goals and 15 across all competitions.
- 🔥 INCREDIBLE EFFICIENCY: He has netted 13 league goals in just 661 minutes, averaging approximately one every 51 minutes.
- 📈 A NEW ROLE, MORE GOALS: Flick has deployed him as a center-forward, maximizing his ability to attack the penalty area.
