Fans Frenzy as Raphinha Sends Classy Heartfelt Message to Leeds United and Fans at Large
Leeds United fans were swept up in a wave of nostalgia and pride when former star Raphinha sent a heartfelt message to the club and its supporters following their Championship title win and promotion to the Premier League in May 2025. The Barcelona winger, a beloved figure at Elland Road during his transformative spell from 2020 to 2022, took to social media to express his unwavering affection for Leeds, igniting a frenzy of emotion among the Whites’ faithful. His classy gesture has reaffirmed his status as a forever hero in the eyes of Leeds supporters, who continue to cherish the Brazilian’s
When Raphinha departed for Barcelona in July 2022 for a £50 million fee (plus £5 million in add-ons), he left with the gratitude of Leeds fans, who respected his ambition to join the Catalan giants. His emotional farewell message on Instagram resonated deeply: “Leeds United will always have a special place in my heart… Thank you for everything, I’ll carry you with me forever.” Despite the move, Raphinha’s connection to Leeds remained strong, as he continued to show love for the club through gestures that kept fans’ adoration alive.
On May 5, 2025, Leeds United celebrated their Championship title and Premier League promotion with a vibrant open-top bus parade through the city, attended by an estimated 150,000 fans. The club’s official Instagram post, captioned “WE ARE PREMIER LEAGUE!!!”, drew global attention, but it was Raphinha’s response that sent Leeds supporters into a frenzy. Commenting on the post, the Barcelona star wrote, “Congrats, my Leeds! You deserve this! #MOT” alongside heart and flame emojis. The message, posted in the early hours, quickly went viral, amassing thousands of likes, shares, and replies across platforms like X.
Fans erupted with joy online, celebrating Raphinha’s loyalty.
@LUFCVibes
posted, “Raphinha calling us ‘my Leeds’ years after leaving? This man is pure class. Forever one of us. #LUFC,” accompanied by a montage of his iconic goals. Another user,
@WhiteArmyMOT
, wrote, “Raphinha’s love for Leeds never fades. That’s why he’s our king. #Raphinha.” The hashtag #Raphinha trended briefly on X, with fans sharing memories of his flair, from his stunning free-kick against West Brom to his emotional celebrations with the Elland Road crowd.
Raphinha’s message is the latest in a series of gestures that highlight his enduring bond with Leeds. In February 2025, after Leeds’ thrilling 3-1 comeback against Sheffield United, he commented “Capiii ” on Pascal Struijk’s Instagram post, praising the stand-in captain’s leadership. In August 2024, when Raphinha scored his first career hat-trick for Barcelona against Real Valladolid, former Leeds teammates Junior Firpo and Crysencio Summerville sent congratulatory messages, underscoring the camaraderie forged at Elland Road. Raphinha reciprocated by liking Leeds-related posts, including one celebrating Manor Solomon’s title-winning goal against Plymouth Argyle.
Beyond social media, Raphinha’s affection for Leeds has been evident in personal moments. In 2022, he was photographed in Barcelona wearing a Leeds United-branded dog lead, a subtle tribute to the club that launched him to global stardom. Fans also fondly recall his heartfelt on-pitch gestures, such as revealing a shirt honoring Brazilian singer Marília Mendonça after scoring against Leicester City in 2021, and dedicating a goal to Ronaldinho’s late mother, reflecting his emotional depth and loyalty.
Raphinha’s message to Leeds coincided with a stellar 2024/25 season at Barcelona, where he has solidified his status as one of Europe’s top wingers. By May 2025, he had contributed 12 goals and 10 assists in La Liga, earning praise for his leadership as a regular starter under Hansi Flick. His performances, including a hat-trick against Real Valladolid and a goal in El Clásico, have quieted early critics who questioned his £50 million price tag. Despite his success, Raphinha’s humility and connection to Leeds remain evident, endearing him further to fans worldwide.
The Leeds fanbase, known for its passionate support, responded to Raphinha’s message with overwhelming gratitude. On X,
@LeedsLoyalty
shared, “Raphinha didn’t have to say anything, but he did. That’s why we’ll always love him. Come back one day, king. #LUFC.” Others expressed hopes of a future return, with
@MOTForever
tweeting, “Imagine Raphinha back at Elland Road in a few years. He’s still got unfinished business with us. #Raphinha.” While a return seems unlikely given his prime years at Barcelona, fans cherish the dream, fueled by his continued affection.
