Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the Champions League during their time together in Europe. However, those two are legends of the past now. There is a new Mr Champions League in town, he’s Brazilian and no I’m not talking about Mr 10x here.
Breaking records of legends
Raphael Dias Belloli (Raphinha) is the new face of the Champions League. Scoring a goal and providing 2 assists against Dortmund means the Brazilian now has 19 G/A this season in the Champions League. Leo Messi’s record for the most goals in the competition as a Barca player is now in jeopardy. Raphinha has equalled La Pulga’s record of 12 goals in a Champions League campaign.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s record in danger?
Cristiano Ronaldo currently holds the record of the most goals scored in a single Champions League campaign (17). Raphinha now has 12 in the bag, and the Brazilian is in red hot form. He still has the 2nd leg of the Quarter-finals to play, after that the two legs of the semi-finals and hopefully a final where he wins it all for Barca.
Whether he breaks the record or not, Raphinha has gone from a failed signing until last season to leading the Ballon d’Or race this season. Unarguably the best player in the Champions League this season, the Brazilian is an example for the younger generation to always keep dreaming and working hard.