When spirit outshines the sidelined star: Rafinha leads from the bench in Clasico

Rafinha’s leadership, from the bench to the heart of the action

The Brazilian star Rafinha, despite his injury, showed captain’s spirit in the Clasico by backing Barcelona from the stands and from the bench, a sign that leadership isn’t confined to the pitch.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Rafinha was among Barça’s most notable absences in the clash, his on‑field impact felt keenly even when he wasn’t in the starting lineup.

Last season’s numbers are impressive, with 34 goals and 26 assists, yet his competitive fire continued to energize the squad and keep the pressure on their rivals.

He even traveled to Madrid at his own expense to be with the team ahead of one of the season’s most consequential games.

On Sunday morning he flew to Madrid, checked into the team hotel on Castellana Street, and joined the group for lunch, a public show of commitment despite not being listed for the match.

During the game he watched from behind the bench, providing leadership and moral support, reminiscent of moments when teammates step up off the field to lift the squad in crucial moments.

After the final whistle Rafinha stepped onto the pitch briefly to help defuse tensions between players, rebuking frictions and helping to restore calm in a heated moment near the end of a title fight.

Beyond the tension, his leadership helps explain why Barça remained competitive, his influence extending to teammates off the field and reflecting the club’s values in trying times.

Rafinha by the numbers… a lasting imprint

Since arriving at Barcelona in the summer of 2022 from Leeds United for around 58 million euros, Rafinha has been one of the Catalan club’s most important attacking assets.

In his Barça career to date, he has appeared in 151 matches across all competitions, contributing 57 goals and 53 assists, clocking upwards of 10,000 minutes on the pitch, a testament to his impact in the Barça system.

In the current 2025-2026 campaign, he has featured in seven matches so far, six in La Liga and one in the Champions League against Newcastle United, scoring three goals and providing two assists before this latest injury kept him out of further action.

A rising journey, built across leagues

Rafinha was born in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in 1996 and began his professional journey at Avai before heading to Europe in pursuit of opportunity.

His first European breakthrough came with Vitria de Guimars in Portugal, where he impressed with his pace, versatility, and eye for goal.

In 2018 he moved to Sporting CP, continuing to shine with his powerful shots and flair, then joined Rennes in 2019, where his performances attracted attention from bigger leagues.

His big move to Leeds United followed in 2020, under Marcelo Bielsa, where he played a pivotal role in the attack and helped the team push into higher levels of English football.

That momentum paved the way for his 2022 transfer to Barcelona, where he has since become one of the league’s most dynamic wingers, drawing defenders and creating chances at will.

Rafinha’s career path—Portugal, France, England, and Spain—highlights a player who has matured through diverse football cultures and risen to a leadership role at one of the game’s biggest clubs.

In summary, Rafinha’s leadership isn’t erased by an injury; it’s demonstrated by commitment, presence, and the ability to steer a team through adversity—an embodiment of Barca’s values when the going gets tough.

Rafinha by the numbers… the lasting imprint

From his early days in Brazil to his current status at Barça, Rafinha’s journey underscores a player who translates experience into influence, reliability, and a tactical edge for his team.