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Raphinha: ‘In my head I was leaving Barça, but a few small words can change you’

Two years ago the Brazilian thought his time at Barcelona was ending but, two La Liga titles later, he is now captain and the most potent No 9 in EuropeFor once, Raphael Dias Belloli puts the brakes on. The man…

By Sid Lowe · The Guardian

Published: Thursday, 24 September 2026 at 5:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Raphinha has signed a new contract extension with Barcelona through 2030.
The Brazilian forward has scored 12 league goals in his first seven matches of the season.
Raphinha has added two goals in the Champions League while playing as a center-forward.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Barcelona and Brazil forward Raphinha has signed a contract extension keeping him with the club through 2030. Despite previously expecting to leave Barcelona two years ago, the Brazilian has developed into the team's captain and leading central striker under manager Hansi Flick.

Operating in a new center-forward role, Raphinha has scored 12 league goals in seven matches along with two Champions League goals. Flick praised Raphinha as the ideal captain and credited him with leading Barcelona's high-intensity pressing system from the front.

Read the full article on The Guardian

Raphinha: ‘In my head I was leaving Barça, but a few small words can change you’

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