Barcelona in-form forward has become an ‘untouchable’ for national team | OneFootball

Raphinha has made an excellent start to the 2024/25 season at FC Barcelona under new manager Hansi Flick.

From being linked with an exit early in the summer to becoming one of the club captains and one of the manager’s most trusted lieutenants on the field, the 27-year-old winger has turned around his situation spectacularly.

After being surprisingly left out of the Brazil national team squad last month, Raphinha forced his way back into the team in the ongoing international break.

Raphinha now ‘untouchable’

In fact, Mundo Deportivo reports that Raphinha is now seen as an ‘untouchable’ in the team by Brazil manager Dorival Junior.

This report comes following controversial comments made by Brazil president Lula da Silva, who argued on Friday against calling up internationals playing abroad, such as Raphinha, Vinicius, or Rodrygo, because “they are neither Romario nor Garrincha.”

Untouchable for Brazil. (Photo by Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images)

While Da Silva might view things that way, there is no debate within the Selecao camp regarding Raphinha’s status and his inclusion in the starting lineup for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Peru.

The winger is untouchable for coach Dorival, who recognizes his excellent form at FC Barcelona.

A tweak in position

Last week, reports emerged claiming that Dorival Junior was going to take a page out of Hansi Flick’s book and deploy Raphinha as a central attacking midfielder – which he did in the game against Chile.

However, now, as per the aforementioned report, the Brazil manager plans to move Raphinha back to the right flank – his niche position but a role that he is no longer playing at Barcelona this season.

The 27-year-old ex-Leeds United star has six goals and assists apiece from 11 games for Barça this season and aspires to translate that form to the international level as well.

Raphinha has previously admitted that he feels the most comfortable playing on the right wing and a return to that role against Peru could see him produce the goods for Brazil.