Flick: Hat-trick hero Raphinha the best captain Barcelona could have

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Raphinha is the “best captain Barcelona could have” according to Hansi Flick after the Brazilian’s hat-trick secured a comeback win over Sevilla.

Barcelona maintained their perfect start to 2026-27 by registering a seventh straight win in LaLiga after beating Sevilla 3-1.

Youssouf Fofana gave Sevilla a 19th-minute lead, but Raphinha’s hat-trick flipped the scoreline on its head, with his first coming just three minutes after the opener.

He got his other two goals in the second half, with Lamine Yamal setting up both.

Raphinha has been involved in 15 goals (12 goals, three assists) in his first seven LaLiga games of the season, a record in the 21st century, alongside Karim Benzema in 2021-22 (also 15 goals for Real Madrid).

He has also scored more LaLiga goals against Sevilla (nine) than he has against any other opponent – he has been involved in at least one goal in six of his seven appearances against them in the competition (nine goals, two assists), including hat-tricks in his last two games.

Barcelona sporting director Deco confirmed on Saturday that Raphinha had agreed a new deal with the club, hinting he will be staying until 2030.

And Flick is delighted to have Raphinha in his ranks after shifting him higher up the pitch as a number nine.

“There’s no better captain than Raphinha. He is the best captain we could have,” Flick said.

“For the club, [renewing his contract] it’s the best decision. When you see how he connects with the fans, with the team, he’s a leader; he gives his all.

“We decided to play him as a striker there, along with the coaching staff. I suppose he’s happy about that now. This season has been spectacular; the second half was incredible.”

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 19, 2026

Barcelona have started a LaLiga season with seven wins in their first seven games for the fourth time.

And Flick is the first manager to achieve this twice with the Blaugrana, having also done so in 2024-25.

Only one team in LaLiga history have scored more goals than the 31 Barcelona have managed this term across their first seven games of the competition’s history: Sevilla in 1940-41 (40).

Raphinha has played the biggest role in that. He is the first player to score 3+ goals in two consecutive LaLiga games since Antoine Griezmann in February 2018.

“People judge you on your goals. At the end of the day, you’re playing as a number nine, and you’re in the position that used to be occupied solely by Robert Lewandowski,” Raphinha said.

“So, if you don’t score goals, people judge you for it; they point the finger at you for it. I didn’t imagine I’d feel so comfortable in this position.

“If I said I was going to play in my natural position, which is on the right wing, I wouldn’t play. So, I have to adapt.

“The manager was a key factor in my decision to stay here. Obviously, last year I could have looked after myself a bit more.

“Two seasons ago, I think I played nearly 70 matches, something I’d never done before in my life. And it may be that last season I was feeling the effects of the previous season. Your body feels it.

“A very good offer came in for me and my family, one that would have changed our lives. The figures were very tempting.

“If the club wants me here, I feel I can give a lot more to the club, and my intention is to stay here for as long as I can.

“It has become the club of my life. I’m just another fan.”

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