Sharing the spotlight with your teammate can lead to strained relationships and fractures within the dressing room, but Raphinha revealed that’s far from the case regarding himself and Barcelona wing-twin Lamine Yamal.
Raphinha and Yamal have been sensational over the past two seasons, creating a formidable winger partnership that led Barcelona’s incredible resurgence last term.
In some cases, internal competition can eventually turn into a sour rivalry, but the Brazilian admitted there’s nothing resembling a tense relationship with Yamal in an interview with . On the contrary, he only had positive things to say about his relationship with Barça’s No. 10.
“No, the rivalry [with Yamal] simply doesn’t exist,” Raphinha said. “The reality is completely different to what some people imagine. I have a huge respect for Lamine [Yamal] as a player and person.
“Soccer is a competitive sport and, naturally, there’s competition between teammates, but for us, it’s always been healthy and motivating. What truly exists between us is a mutual desire to perform at our best, to push each other and help the team find success.
“I feel as if Lamine [Yamal] was part of my family. I’m truly grateful to have someone like him by my side, someone who inspires me and helps lift the entire group.”
A season ago, Yamal and Raphinha collected 102 G+A between them for Barcelona, helping the club conquer a maiden domestic treble. Their stellar performances didn’t go unnoticed and the pair finished in the top five of the 2025 Ballon d’Or award voting.
