Barcelona winger Raphinha has officially signed a contract extension with the club that will keep him at the Spotify Camp Nou until June 2028. The Brazilian forward, who has been a revelation in the 2024–25 season, was rewarded for his outstanding form and growing influence under manager Hansi Flick.
A Breakthrough Season
The 28-year-old enjoyed a career-best campaign, scoring 34 goals and providing 25 assists across 56 matches in all competitions. His contributions were instrumental in Barcelona securing a historic domestic treble, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
Raphinha’s explosive pace, creativity on the right wing, and newfound leadership saw him not only cement his starting place but also wear the captain’s armband on multiple occasions. His standout performances sparked speculation over a potential move away from Catalonia, with interest from several top European clubs, but the new deal ends all such rumors.
From Uncertain Future to Club Mainstay
When Raphinha first arrived at Barcelona in the summer of 2022 from Leeds United for a reported fee of €58 million, his future seemed anything but secure. Competed with players like Ousmane Dembélé and Ansu Fati, his first season was marked by inconsistency. However, following Flick’s appointment and a tactical reshuffle, Raphinha thrived in a more defined role, emerging as one of the team’s most decisive players.
“This is very rewarding for me and is something very special. It makes me very happy and a personal objective since I arrived is to give the fans a lot of joy,” Raphinha stated.
With this contract extension, Barcelona have secured a key figure in their plans for the future. The club, now transitioning into a new era with a mix of youth and experience, sees Raphinha as a cornerstone of their ambitions both in La Liga and the Champions League.
Raphinha has already made 143 appearances and scored 54 goals for the Blaugrana. His name is now even being discussed in the context of the Ballon d’Or, a testament to his incredible rise over the past 12 months.
In addition to his on-field brilliance, Raphinha has expressed his long-term desire to retire at Barcelona, joining the ranks of foreign players who have embraced the club’s identity and culture fully.
This renewal is a win for both player and club. Raphinha gets the stability and recognition he deserves, while Barcelona retain one of Europe’s most dynamic wide players. As the 2025–26 season approaches, fans will be eager to see how far Raphinha can take his game, and how much more silverware he can help bring to Catalonia.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
