Barcelona’s transformation under Hansi Flick has been swift and impressive. The team sits comfortably atop La Liga, and much of the credit goes to their renewed attacking trio. Astonishingly, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha are matching the kind of output once reserved for the legendary MSN. That storied front line of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Neymar powered the team to a treble in 2014-15, leaving a legacy many thought impossible to replicate.
According to data from the Spanish agency EFE and BeSoccer Pro, Yamal, Lewandowski, and Raphinha have combined for 66 goals and 29 assists in their first 36 matches. A decade ago, MSN recorded 68 goals and 34 assists at the same stage. The gap is slim, and the current trio’s contribution (58.4% of Barcelona’s 113 goals) is nearly as influential as MSN’s (61.8% of 110 goals in 2014-15).
| Player (2014-15) | Goals | Assists | Matches | Player (2024-25) | Goals | Assists | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 37 | 18 | 33 | Robert Lewandowski | 31 | 3 | 33 |
| Neymar | 24 | 4 | 29 | Raphinha | 24 | 13 | 35 |
| Luis Suárez | 7 | 12 | 21 | Lamine Yamal | 11 | 13 | 31 |
| MSN Total | 68 | 34 | — | 2024-25 Trio Total | 66 | 29 | — |
The battle for supremacy
Yet even as Barcelona’s modern frontline strives to match that golden standard, Neymar’s name continues to surface. Now at Santos for a short spell, he has made headlines with his father’s comments on a possible return to Europe. “We didn’t come here to play for five months, we came to give Santos the opportunity to restructure,” Neymar Sr. told TNT Sports. He added that their stay could be longer, insisting the family wants to help the club regain stability.
Neymar himself emphasized his commitment. “While I’m on the pitch, which is where I like to be most, I’m going to give 100%,” he said. “Santos is going to get back on its feet and return to the top, which is where it deserves to be.”
At this point, Barcelona has shown no sign of bringing Neymar back. The focus remains on the impressive run under Flick, fueled by a balanced roster and an attack pushing historic levels. The Yamal-Lewandowski-Raphinha trio may not have the same global aura as MSN, but their output is inching closer to those once-untouchable figures.
Barcelona’s faithful are daring to dream. La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League are all in sight, making some wonder if this season could eclipse the triumphs of a decade ago. The club has already secured the Spanish Super Cup, adding to the sense that a new dynasty might be forming at Camp Nou.
