Barcelona's Brazilian forward #11 Raphinha runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League 1st round day 4 football match between FC Barcelona and Aston Villa (AFP)
Barcelona's Brazilian forward #11 Raphinha runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League 1st round day 4 football match between FC Barcelona and Aston Villa (AFP)
Captain Raphinha has signed a contract extension until 2030, La Liga champions Barcelona said on Thursday.
The 29-year-old Brazilian forward, who joined the Catalan giants in 2022, had been contracted until 2028.
"A declaration of intent. Our dear captain will continue to lead our project until 2030," Barca wrote in a statement.
Raphinha said in September that he wanted to extend his deal, and maybe even end his career at Barca.
He has been in the form of his life this season, scoring 19 goals and contributing three assists in 13 matches in all competitions.
The former Leeds United winger took over the captaincy at the start of the season following the departures of Ronald Araujo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
He has also shifted inside from his usual position on the wing to fill the gap created by strikers Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres leaving the club.
He has been Barca's most potent forward since German Hansi Flick took over in 2024, leading Barca to back-to-back La Liga crowns.
[Spain and Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas delivers a speech after receiving the Ballon d'Or Feminin award for the best female footballer at the Palladium Theatre in London on October 26, 2026. (AFP)
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas delivers a speech after receiving the Ballon d'Or Feminin award for the best female footballer at the Palladium Theatre in London on October 26, 2026. (AFP)](https://www.gulf-times.com/article/736841/sport/football/ballon-dor-crowns-putellass-return-to-top-of-womens-game)
[This combination of pictures created on October 21, 2026 shows PSG players Brazilian defender Marquinhos (left), French forward Ousmane Dembele (centre) and Georgian forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in action. (AFP)
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