Raphinha’s Cheeky Response to BBC Reporter About Leeds United Return Goes Viral
Barcelona star Raphinha has set social media ablaze with a witty reply to a BBC reporter who asked if he would consider rejoining Leeds United someday in his career. The 27-year-old Brazilian, who left Elland Road for a £55m move to Barcelona in 2022, was speaking after his side’s 3-2 La Liga win over Real Madrid on May 8, 2025, when the question arose during a post-match interview.
The reporter referenced Raphinha’s two stellar seasons at Leeds, where he scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists in 65 Premier League games, helping the Whites secure a ninth-place finish in 2020/21 and avoid relegation in 2021/22. “Leeds are back in the Premier League, and fans still chant your name. Could you see yourself returning to Elland Road one day?” the reporter asked, per Leeds Live. Raphinha, grinning, responded, “Mate, I’d have to ask my agent, but if Leeds send a private jet like they did to sign me, I might think about it!” The quip, alluding to his dramatic 2020 transfer from Rennes, sparked laughter and sent fans into a frenzy online.
Clips of the exchange exploded across platforms like X, with fans hailing Raphinha’s charm. “He’s still got love for Leeds! That jet line is gold,” one supporter posted. Another wrote, “Raphinha breaking the internet with that reply—Elland Road would erupt if he came back!” The comment resonated deeply, as Raphinha had previously credited Marcelo Bielsa for his rise, telling Mundo Deportivo in 2022 that Bielsa’s coaching was pivotal to his Barcelona move and Brazil call-up.
Currently thriving under Hansi Flick, Raphinha has 12 goals and 10 assists in La Liga this season, earning Ballon d’Or buzz from figures like Thierry Henry. Despite his success, he remains fond of Leeds, having celebrated their 2025 promotion with a heartfelt Instagram comment: “Back where they belong!” However, a return seems unlikely, with Barcelona’s financial restructuring and interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, per Football Insider.
For now, Raphinha’s playful jab has reignited Leeds fans’ dreams, proving his connection to the club endures. Whether he ever boards that private jet again, his legacy at Elland Road remains untouchable.
