Raphinha walking on the pitch with his knees
Raphinha kept his emotional tradition alive as Barcelona lifted the Spanish La Liga.
The Brazilian winger brought back his iconic post-match ritual of walking the length of the pitch on his knees, this time at Barcelona’s temporary home ground, the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium, after completing a phenomenal season that saw the Catalan giants lift La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
The 27-year-old’s knee-walk celebration has deep roots in South American football culture, often seen as an act of devotion and gratitude, a personal vow repaid after prayers are answered.
For Raphinha, the 2024–25 campaign delivered everything a player could hope for.
The scene brought back memories of May 2022, when Raphinha, then at Leeds United, performed the same heartfelt gesture after helping the club secure Premier League survival on the final day of the season.
Leeds had just pulled off a dramatic 2-1 win away at Brentford, and Raphinha, who scored from the spot, celebrated by falling to his knees and crawling across the pitch in a moment that resonated with fans around the world.
Back then, it was about survival, an emotional thank-you after a year of relentless pressure and fear of relegation.
This time, it was about triumph. Since joining Barcelona, Raphinha has established himself as a key figure in the team’s resurgence.
With crucial goals, relentless work rate, and flair that fits the club’s attacking DNA, he’s played an important role in Hansi Flick’s side sweeping three domestic trophies in a single season.
His partner, Taia, was once again present in the stands, just like she was at Brentford two years ago, and as he made his emotional crawl down the pitch, fans erupted in applause, recognising not just the personal significance but the sheer passion and humility behind the gesture.
Watch the video below:
FKA/MA
You can also watch scenes from the opening ceremony of the 2025 Western Region Inter-Schools event
