Only a select few in LaLiga history have matched the kind of seasonal opening once delivered by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Raphinha has now entered that exclusive conversation.
The Brazilian winger is delivering a standout 2026-27 campaign, and his most recent home performance has placed him among the league’s all-time great scorers.
Raphinha netted twice in the opening half as Barcelona built a commanding 4-0 lead over Alaves before the break on Matchday 11. The brace inscribes his name in Spanish football’s record books alongside the Argentine and Portuguese icons.
That brace took his tally to 15 goals in the opening 11 matches of the 2026-27 season—an achievement matched by only two players over the past 75 LaLiga campaigns, according to statistician MisterChip on X.
Raphinha celebrates a goal vs Deportivo Alaves. (Getty Images)
Ronaldo established the benchmark in 2014-15 with 18 goals for Real Madrid across the first 11 matches, a scoring pace that left opposing defenses scrambling. Two seasons prior, Messi reached 15 for Barcelona in 2012-13, underscoring his dominance at the height of his powers. Raphinha has now equaled the Blaugrana icon’s total, trailing only the Portuguese in this rare LaLiga milestone.
Raphinha Moves Past Lewandowski and Ballesta
Raphinha’s first goal, scored in the 23rd minute, brought his total to 14 in 11 matches. That figure placed him alongside three other players who have recorded 14 or more goals within the first 11 matchdays of a LaLiga season over the last 50 campaigns: Robert Lewandowski with Barcelona in 2024-25, Messi in 2011-12, and Salva Ballesta with Racing in 1999-00.
His second goal, in the 41st minute, pushed him to 15 and moved him ahead of all three. The Barcelona winger now surpasses his former teammate Lewandowski, Ballesta, and Messi’s 2011-12 tally, with only Messi’s 2012-13 season (15) and Ronaldo’s 2014-15 campaign (18) at or above his current mark.
Raphinha has made Barcelona’s attack his personal stage this season, and the record books are taking notice. His first 11 matchdays will be remembered alongside those of two legends, underscoring that his name belongs in the conversation about the finest starts in LaLiga history.
