Raphinha signals he wants to extend Barcelona stay beyond 2028 and retire at the club

Barcelona captain Raphinha has publicly declared he wants to extend his stay at the club beyond his current contract, which runs until 2028, and retire there rather than move elsewhere. The Brazilian made the comments in an interview with RAC1, as reported by Barca Blaugranes, amid a sensational start to the 2025-26 season under Hansi Flick.

The declaration carries particular weight given how unsettled Raphinha’s situation appeared only months ago. He was linked with a summer exit before ultimately remaining at Camp Nou, and the 2028 deal he already holds was one he signed, by his own admission, without knowing how his body would hold up into his early thirties.

His outlook has since shifted. Raphinha explained that the strength of his early-season form has convinced him he can sustain a high level of performance for several more years, and that he now sees his future firmly in Barcelona rather than elsewhere. Having scored nine La Liga goals already this season, he has been central to the club’s early momentum under Flick.

Barcelona are said to be keen on tying him down to fresh terms, though no finalised structure or contract length has been confirmed. Raphinha’s public comments amount to a green light for those negotiations rather than confirmation of a signed extension — the precise details remain to be worked out.

The timing matters beyond the contractual. As captain, Raphinha has taken on a leadership role that extends well beyond his goal tally, and his willingness to commit long-term offers dressing-room stability at a club that has been rebuilding its identity under Flick. His next opportunity to underline that commitment comes this weekend against Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.