Barcelona winger Raphinha has been named La Liga Player of the Month for August after a blistering start to the new season.
The Brazilian scored five goals in three league matches and added an assist, giving him six goal contributions during the month.
La Liga announced the award on Friday, with Raphinha later pictured receiving the red Player of the Month trophy while wearing Barcelona’s captain’s armband.
His latest recognition underlines a remarkable turnaround for a player who was close to leaving the Spanish giants just over two years ago.
Raphinha was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in July 2024, with Al-Hilal reportedly making a €90 million approach. Barcelona were also understood to be open to selling the winger as the club battled Financial Fair Play restrictions.
His form had also come under scrutiny after an inconsistent 2023/24 campaign, with sections of the Barcelona fanbase questioning his performances.
That picture has changed significantly since Hansi Flick took charge.
Flick has trusted Raphinha with a more central role and handed him the vice-captaincy, with the 28-year-old responding with what has been the strongest start to a season of his Barcelona career.