Up next, Raphinha and Yamal will likely be seen in action when Barcelona take on local rivals Espanyol at home in LaLiga on Sunday, November 3.

“We’ll make each other better” – When Raphinha made claim about rising Barcelona star Lamine Yamal

Barcelona star Raphinha once claimed that it was his ‘honor’ to compete with Lamine Yamal for a spot in the Catalans’ starting lineup.

Although the pair are nailed-on starters on the wings under Hansi Flick in the 2024-25 season, they competed for a single spot under Xavi last campaign. Raphinha ended up making 13 fewer appearances (37) than Yamal (50) last season. Yet, it didn’t seem to bother him, as he claimed that the competition was just helping them ‘make each other better’.

In April 2024, he said (via Fabrizio Romano on X):

“It doesn’t bother me to compete with Lamine Yamal, rather it’s an honour to compete with him. He will be one of the best players in the world, we’ll make each other better. In a team like Barcelona, competition must always be present.”

Raphinha, Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski have a combined total of 33 goals and 18 assists this season. All three were on the scoresheet in Barcelona’s 4-0 thumping of Real Madrid in El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 26. The win helped them consolidate their position atop the league (11 games, 10 wins, one loss).