New Delhi: Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Raphinha is on the verge of breaking a significant Champions League record, which is held by none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. As the second leg of Barcelona’s semifinal clash with Inter Milan and potentially the final still to come, Raphinha stands just one assist or goal away from achieving a new milestone in European football.
In Barcelona’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the first leg of the UCL semifinal, Barca striker may not have found the back of the net but he played a pivotal role in his team’s attack. His assist to Ferran Torres in the 38th minute helped secure an important equaliser, marking his 20th goal involvement of the season in the Champions League. He has a golden opportunity to set a new club record for the most goal involvements by a Barcelona player in a single Champions League campaign, as he has already surpassed Barcelona’s all-time legend, Lionel Messi, with that moment.
However, Raphinha’s achievement doesn’t end there. With 20 goal contributions to his name, he now sits just one short of Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 21 goals or assists in a single Champions League season, set during Real Madrid’s triumphant 2013–14 campaign. With the second leg of the semifinal and a possible final ahead, Raphinha has the chance to surpass Ronaldo and claim the all-time record for himself.
One more goal or assist would tie Ronaldo’s best, and two would elevate Raphinha to the very top of the all-time Champions League records.
Most goal contributions in a single UCL season
| Player | Club | Season | Goal Contributions |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Real Madrid | 2013-14 | 21 |
| Raphinha | FC Barcelona | 2024-25 | 20 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Real Madrid | 2015-16 | 20 |
| Robert Lewandowski | Bayern Munich | 2019-20 | 20 |
| Lionel Messi | FC Barcelona | 2011-12 | 19 |
Raphinha’s record-breaking potential
This individual achievement has significant implications not just for Raphinha’s legacy at Barcelona but for his Ballon d’Or prospects as well. At 28 years old, the Brazilian has been in superb form this season, contributing 30 goals and 22 assists across all competitions. His growing influence on the pitch makes him one of the prime contenders for the prestigious individual award in 2025.
With Barca already lifting the Copa del Rey and still in the hunt for both La Liga and Champions League glory, Raphinha’s individual exploits are playing a key role in the team’s success. He is not the only Barcelona player grabbing attention young star Lamine Yamal has also made history by becoming the youngest-ever scorer in a Champions League semifinal, while Pedri has also expressed his Ballon d’Or aspirations.
If Barcelona were to complete a historic treble this season, Raphinha, Yamal, and Pedri would undoubtedly be the central figures in crafting their legacy.
Looking ahead
With the Champions League final within reach and a season full of achievements, Raphinha could cement his place in football history in the upcoming fixtures. As he inches closer to breaking Ronaldo’s record, all eyes will be on the Brazilian forward as he looks to rewrite the record books and solidify his status as one of the best in the world.
Raphinha nears Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League record with 20 goal involvements. Can he break it as Barcelona chase a historic treble? Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
