Barcelona attacking midfielder Raphinha has scored 12 goals in seven La Liga matches this season, maintaining his team's unbeaten start at the top of the standings.
The Brazilian player's explosive scoring run represents his finest start to a campaign since joining the Spanish club, while domestic rivals Real Madrid currently sit in fourth place.
La Liga scoring records
Only Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo has managed more goals at the same stage of a La Liga season. Playing for Real Madrid during the 2014-2015 campaign, Ronaldo scored 13 goals across the opening seven league fixtures.
Raphinha's total of 12 goals surpasses the early-season tallies achieved by former Barcelona forward Lionel Messi. The Argentine international scored 11 goals in his first seven league matches during both the 2011-2012 and 2017-2018 seasons.
According to data published by Transfermarkt English on September 21, 2026, Raphinha has scored more goals in the first seven games of the season than Messi ever managed in La Liga, with Ronaldo being the only player to post superior scoring numbers to start a campaign.
La Liga is Spain's premier professional football division, where Barcelona and Real Madrid have long contested the title. Ronaldo spent nine seasons at Real Madrid, establishing himself as the club's all-time top goalscorer, while Messi won ten La Liga titles during his legendary career at Barcelona.
Ballon d'Or nomination status
Despite his outstanding start to the current campaign, Raphinha is not among the nominees for this year's Ballon d'Or award. The annual honor, presented by France Football, recognizes the top individual performer in world football.
The strong form builds upon Raphinha's productive output during the previous season. Across the entire past campaign, the Brazilian international recorded 21 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions.
Raphinha, whose full name is Raphael Dias Belloli, joined Barcelona in 2022 after previously playing for Leeds United in the English Premier League. The 29-year-old winger has also represented the Brazil national team on the international stage.
