‘I’m not Lamine Yamal’ – Raphinha makes admission ahead of Barcelona’s Clasico clash

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 22: (L-R) Raphinha of FC Barcelona, Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano at the Camp Nou on March 22, 2026 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Barcelona star Raphinha says he’s happy to play on the right in place of injured team-mate Lamine Yamal in El Clasico on Sunday but made it clear he’s a very different player to the teenager.

Hansi Flick has a few selection dilemmas ahead of the big game with Yamal ruled out and Raphinha still not fully match fit after several weeks out with a hamstring problem.

Raphinha was asked if he could take over from Yamal ahead of the game and offered up the following response.

“I’m comfortable with playing on the right. Obviously, if I play there on the right wing, they shouldn’t expect anything special because I’m not Lamine,” he told Movistar.

“Lamine is a star and I’ll give my best as always in whatever position I play, but please don’t expect from me something like Lamine.”

Raphinha may have to settle for a place on the bench for the game but does have an excellent record against Madrid. The Brazilian has scored seven times in his last five appearances against Los Blancos.