One of the best players in the world over the last 12 months has been former Leeds United star Raphinha. The Brazilian has shone for Barcelona, and scored 34 goals and assisted 26 in just 57 games under Hansi Flick last term.
His exceptional performances were certainly seen by people across the world. The culmination of Raphinha’s success last season saw him finish fifth in the Ballon d’Or race, with Lamine Yamal the only Barca player ahead of him.
Injury has slowed his season down in 2025/26, but he has five goals and assists in six La Liga games.
Leeds fans will never forget his contribution in his final season at the club.
Raphinha’s importance during the 2021/22 season
Brazil international Raphinha only spent two campaigns at Elland Road. The first season was behind closed doors due to COVID, but he had already established himself as a fan favourite.
The second campaign was excellent too, and incredibly important.
The Whites avoided relegation by the skin of the teeth on the final day of the 2021/22 season.
It would turn out to be Raphinha’s last appearance for the West Yorkshire side, and he scored a crucial penalty in their 2-1 win away to Brentford, which helped keep them in the Premier League.
It was more than just that spot kick at the Gtech Community Stadium that signified Raphinha’s importance. He bagged 11 goals and assisted three across the season, including a run of seven goal involvements in ten games between October and January.
His pivotal contributions did not go unnoticed by fans and ex-players alike. One man who could not praise Raphinha enough was Noel Whelan, their former striker. He said the Brazilian “gave everything to keep Leeds United in the Premier League,” showing just how much it meant to the club.
In their promotion campaign last season, Leeds had a player vital to their success, although he has rapidly fallen out of favour at Elland Road.
The Leeds star now out of favour
A few players under Daniel Farke this season have fallen down the pecking order after a busy summer transfer window. Illan Meslier and Joel Piroe are two examples of players who were crucial to earning promotion but have had little or no involvement this term.
Well, someone else who fits that category is Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka. He is a player who Farke clearly rates, and called him an “outstanding” player last season. Summer signings have meant he is struggling to get into the team this term, though.
Last season, the 34-cap Japanese international was a key man in the centre of the park for the West Yorkshire side.
He played 43 Championship games, chipping in with five goals and two assists, including a late strike against promotion rivals Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
It was that sort of form which has led to Tanaka being hailed as the club’s best signing since Raphinha. It is easy to see why, too, with the contributions from midfield helping the Whites to return to the Premier League.
After starting the first couple of top-flight games this season, Tanaka picked up an injury and has since been out of the team. Farke has built momentum in the midfield with Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, meaning Tanaka can’t get into the lineup.
Ethan Ampadu
6
519 (5.7)
Anton Stach
8
680 (7.5)
Sean Longstaff
8
566 (6.2)
Ao Tanaka
6
190 (2.1)
Ilia Gruev
4
193 (2.1)
Perhaps Tanaka is on borrowed time at Elland Road. Once someone so important to the club, he now can’t get a game under Farke, and with the continuity we are seeing in the middle of the park, it is hard to see where his next start comes from.
Given his crucial role last term, the 27-year-old might well decide to consider his future if the situation doesn’t improve.
After showing his importance, just like Raphinha did a few years ago, his career has certainly gone the other way than how things panned out for the Brazilian.