Raphinha continued his sensational start to the 2026/27 La Liga season with another spectacular hat-trick as Barcelona came from behind to beat Sevilla 3-1 at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. Youssouf Fofana gave the hosts an early lead, but Raphinha equalised shortly afterwards before completing his hat-trick in the second half. The victory extended Barcelona's perfect league start to seven wins from seven matches, while Raphinha's incredible scoring run saw him reach 12 La Liga goals.
Raphinha Surpasses Messi's La Liga Record
Raphinha's latest goalscoring display has placed him in elite company. The Brazilian has now scored 12 goals in his first seven La Liga appearances this season, surpassing Lionel Messi's tally of 11 goals after seven matches in the 2017/18 campaign.
That means Raphinha now holds the best seven-game start by a Barcelona player in the 21st century. Messi had previously set the benchmark with 11 goals, but Raphinha has now moved past the former barca icon.
However, there is still one player ahead of him.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored 13 goals in his first seven La Liga matches during the 2014/15 season, meaning Raphinha was just one goal away from matching the Portuguese superstar's record.
Raphinha Completes Another Perfect Hat-Trick
Raphinha's performance against Sevilla was particularly impressive because his three goals once again showcased his versatility in front of goal.
The Barcelona captain scored with his right foot, head and left foot, completing a perfect hat-trick and demonstrating just how dangerous he has become from different areas of the pitch.
It also made Raphinha only the second Barcelona player to score a perfect hat-trick in La Liga in the last 20 years. The first was Luis Suarez, who achieved the feat against Cordoba in May 2015.
The Brazilian has now scored consecutive La Liga hat-tricks, having also netted three times during Barcelona's 7-2 victory over Racing Santander earlier in the week.
Raphinha and Lamine Yamal Connection Thriving
One of the biggest highlights of Barcelona's start to the season has been the connection between Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
The pair have developed an increasingly dangerous understanding in the final third, combining movement, creativity and direct attacking play. Yamal also provided the assist for Raphinha's equaliser against Sevilla, underlining the chemistry between the two Barcelona stars.
Their combination has become a major weapon for Hansi Flick, with Raphinha providing experience and ruthless finishing while Yamal continues to create problems for opposition defences.
Raphinha's Terrifying Start to the Season
Raphinha has begun the La Liga season in terrifying form, registering 12 goals and three assists in just seven games.
With Barcelona winning all seven of their league matches and Raphinha sitting just one goal behind Ronaldo's historic seven-game record, the Brazilian has a genuine chance to rewrite the record books further.
His link-up play with Lamine Yamal has also been one of Barca's biggest highlights this season, and if the duo can maintain this level, Barcelona's attack could become even more formidable as the campaign progresses.