Raphinha is set to rejoin Barcelona's squad at their England training camp on 29 July, marking his return after a frustrating 2026 World Cup campaign that ended with Brazil's elimination by Norway. The Brazilian winger missed crucial matches due to a recurring hamstring injury, but has now recovered and is ready to focus on regaining peak form under manager Hansi Flick.
Overcoming World Cup Disappointment
The 29-year-old arrived at the World Cup as one of Brazil's key attacking assets, but a muscle injury sustained during the group stage against Haiti forced him to the sidelines. Medical clearance came before the knockout match against Norway, yet Raphinha remained on the bench as Brazil fell 1-2. This marked the second time the same hamstring problem sidelined him—he had suffered the identical injury during a March international break, costing him five weeks at Barcelona and coinciding with the club's Copa del Rey and Champions League exits.
Beyond the pitch, Raphinha endured headlines over alleged financial difficulties and an rumoured 80 million euro offer from Saudi club Al-Hilal. Club president Joan Laporta dismissed speculation, stating bluntly: "We have no intention of him leaving Barcelona." The winger has since spent time recovering in Orlando and Ibiza, distancing himself from the noise.
A Promising Season Ahead Under Flick
Raphinha's performances before injury established him as central to Flick's project. During the German's first season in charge, the Brazilian registered career-highs in goals and assists, earning Ballon d'Or consideration for the 2024-2025 campaign. Barcelona have collected five titles under Flick, with Raphinha instrumental in those successes despite recurring fitness problems.
The club's pre-season schedule includes friendlies against Birmingham City on 31 July and Preston North End on 3 August. Barcelona's medical team will implement a personalised injury prevention programme to strengthen Raphinha's right knee and reduce future setbacks. With attacking reinforcements Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi also arriving, the winger faces renewed competition but an opportunity to reclaim his best form in La Liga and Europe.
For Raphinha, the path forward is clear: stay healthy and deliver the consistency that made him a Ballon d'Or candidate before injury derailed his World Cup dream.
