Marcelo Bielsa will be so proud of Raphinha after hearing what Leeds United icon said

As Daniel Farke continues to face criticism for Leeds United’s lack of attacking flair — even with talents like Brenden Aaronson — many fans can’t help but look back longingly to the Marcelo Bielsa and Raphinha era.

That dynamic duo arguably represents the club’s greatest manager-player partnership in recent history.

Raphinha, now a global star, recently finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings after a sensational season at Barcelona, where he tallied 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 appearances.

The Brazilian winger has often credited Marcelo Bielsa for shaping his career and mentality.

In a recent interview with GQ, Raphinha echoed one of his former mentor’s core philosophies when asked about missing out on the prestigious Ballon d’Or:

“The Ballon d’Or is an individual award, but football is a team sport. When I look at everything I achieved with Barcelona and Brazil, I realise how much I have to be thankful for instead of disappointed… truly grateful. That motivates me to keep going.”

His words perfectly reflect Bielsa’s famous emphasis on team unity and selflessness. During Leeds’ 2019/20 promotion campaign, Bielsa often highlighted the importance of togetherness both on and off the pitch. He once remarked:

“The human group they’ve formed at the club — it’s very difficult to be so united on the pitch without being united off it. The togetherness within the squad and their interest in one another is special.”

After a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace in 2021, Bielsa further praised his side’s collective spirit, saying he was pleased by “the constant search for the goal and the closeness and togetherness of the team to defend and attack as one.”

Although Raphinha and Bielsa went their separate ways after the Argentine’s dismissal in February 2022, it’s clear the winger still carries those same values with him in Catalonia.

Do Barcelona Still Owe Leeds Money for Raphinha?

When Barcelona signed Raphinha for £55 million in July 2022, the deal was structured in instalments. Given the club’s ongoing financial struggles, many Leeds fans have questioned whether all payments were ever completed.

However, journalist Graham Smyth recently put those rumours to rest. In October, he confirmed that Barcelona have fully paid Leeds United, though they still owe money to a creditor. Responding to a concerned fan, Smyth stated:

“Leeds got paid, Gary. We reported this a year ago. Leeds got their money. Barca owe a creditor now, not Leeds.”

So while Barcelona may still be juggling debts elsewhere, Leeds United have already received their full payment for one of their brightest modern-day stars.