Raphinha’s Heartfelt Three-Word Message to Leeds United as They Clinch Championship Glory
In a moment that sparked jubilation across West Yorkshire, Leeds United secured their return to the Premier League after a two-year hiatus, clinching promotion from the Championship with a scintillating 6-0 victory over Stoke City. The triumph, coupled with Burnley’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United, confirmed Leeds’ place in the top flight for the 2025/26 season. Amid the celebrations, one voice from afar resonated deeply with the Elland Road faithful: former star Raphinha, now thriving at Barcelona, sent a poignant three-word message that encapsulated his enduring bond with the club.
Raphinha, who left Leeds for Barcelona in a £55 million deal in 2022, has never shied away from expressing his gratitude to the club that propelled him to global stardom. His two-year stint at Elland Road was nothing short of electric, with 17 goals and 12 assists in 65 Premier League appearances, including a crucial 11-goal haul in the 2021/22 season that helped Leeds avoid relegation. His flair, work rate, and connection with the fans made him a modern-day legend, and his latest gesture only cemented that status.
As Leeds’ official Instagram account erupted with the declaration “WE ARE PREMIER LEAGUE!!!”, Raphinha joined a chorus of former players in the comments, writing, “Marching on together” alongside heart-hands and flame emojis. The phrase, a nod to Leeds’ iconic anthem, struck a chord with supporters, evoking memories of Raphinha’s time under Marcelo Bielsa, when his dazzling wing play lit up the Premier League. The simplicity of his message belied its emotional weight, reflecting a bond that transcends distance and time.
Leeds’ promotion under Daniel Farke was no small feat. After a heartbreaking play-off final loss to Southampton in 2024, the club faced the challenge of rebuilding without key players. Farke, a Championship promotion specialist, instilled resilience and flair in a squad led by the likes of Joel Piroe, who scored four goals in the decisive Stoke rout, and Manor Solomon, whose wing play drew comparisons to Raphinha’s dynamism. The team’s 94-point haul, level with Burnley, set up a thrilling title race with two games remaining, but promotion was the ultimate prize.
Raphinha’s message was not his first show of loyalty this season. In February, he congratulated Pascal Struijk on Instagram after Leeds’ dramatic 3-1 comeback against Sheffield United, calling him “Capiii” with affectionate emojis. Such gestures highlight why Leeds fans still chant his name. Despite his success at Barcelona, where he’s become a key player, Raphinha has repeatedly called Leeds his “home away from home,” crediting the club for fulfilling his dream of playing in the Premier League.
As Leeds prepare for their Premier League return, Raphinha’s words serve as a reminder of the club’s enduring spirit. Fans, players, and alumni alike are united in their anthem, “Marching on together,” ready to take on the top flight once more. For Raphinha, the journey may have taken him to Catalonia, but his heart remains firmly in Leeds.
