Classy Gesture from Former Leeds United Star: Raphinha Praises Daniel Farke’s Brilliance and Sends Heartfelt Message to Leeds Fans
In a world where football loyalties often shift as quickly as transfer windows, Raphinha’s enduring connection with Leeds United continues to warm the hearts of the Elland Road faithful. The Brazilian star, now dazzling at Barcelona, recently made headlines with a classy gesture that reaffirmed his deep bond with the club and its supporters. Following Leeds United’s triumphant return to the Premier League under the stewardship of Daniel Farke, Raphinha took to social media to praise the manager’s “ball” – a nod to Farke’s tactical brilliance – and deliver a heartfelt message to the fans who still chant his name.
Raphinha’s two-year stint at Leeds United, from 2020 to 2022, was nothing short of transformative. Signed from Rennes for a modest £17 million, the winger quickly became the heartbeat of Marcelo Bielsa’s high-octane side. His flair, work rate, and knack for delivering in clutch moments – most notably winning and scoring a penalty in the dramatic 2-1 win at Brentford to secure Premier League survival in 2022 – cemented his status as a modern Leeds legend. In 67 appearances, he notched 17 goals and 12 assists, earning a call-up to the Brazilian national team and a £55 million move to Barcelona.
Yet, despite his meteoric rise and global stardom, Raphinha has never forgotten the club that gave him his Premier League platform. His latest gesture, celebrating Leeds’ promotion and lauding Farke’s managerial prowess, is a testament to his gratitude and class.
Leeds United’s 2024-25 Championship campaign was a rollercoaster of grit and glory, culminating in automatic promotion to the Premier League. Daniel Farke, the German tactician who joined the club in 2023, orchestrated a remarkable turnaround after the heartache of the previous season’s play-off disappointment. With a 6-0 thrashing of Stoke City and Burnley’s 2-1 victory over Sheffield United on Easter Monday, Leeds secured their top-flight return with two games to spare, tying Burnley on 94 points. The scenes at Elland Road were electric, with thousands of fans celebrating outside the stadium and players drenched in champagne.
Farke’s brand of football – disciplined, attacking, and relentless – earned widespread praise. His ability to galvanize a squad depleted by the departures of stars like Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville was remarkable. Players like Dan James, Joel Piroe, and new signings such as Largie Ramazani stepped up, embodying Farke’s vision of “Leeds United” as a collective force.
When Leeds’ official Instagram account posted “WE ARE PREMIER LEAGUE!!!” to celebrate the promotion, Raphinha was among the first to react. His comment – “Come on” accompanied by a heart-hands emoji and a flame emoji – was more than a casual nod. It was a public affirmation of his continued love for the club. But Raphinha went further, reportedly praising Farke’s “ball” in private conversations, a term popular among footballers to describe a manager’s tactical philosophy and style. Sources close to the player revealed that Raphinha has been following Leeds’ progress closely, impressed by Farke’s ability to blend structure with attacking flair, much like Bielsa did during his own tenure.
Raphinha’s admiration for Farke is particularly poignant given the speculation surrounding the manager’s future. Despite leading Leeds to promotion, reports suggest that the club’s owners, 49ers Enterprises, are considering replacements, a move that has sparked outrage among fans and pundits alike. Raphinha’s praise serves as a powerful endorsement of Farke’s credentials, with the Brazilian reportedly believing that the German deserves the chance to lead Leeds in the Premier League.
Raphinha’s connection with Leeds fans has always been special. From his tireless running to his emotional celebrations, he embodied the passion that resonates with the Yorkshire faithful. In his heartfelt message following the promotion, Raphinha is said to have expressed gratitude to the fans who welcomed him as one of their own. “I will never forget the club that hugged me.
