Brazilian winger pens new deal until 2028 after overcoming mental battles and tactical misfits to become Catalans’ talisman
Barcelona’s announcement of Raphinha’s contract extension until 2028 marks the culmination of an extraordinary personal journey – one that saw the Brazilian winger transform from expensive misfit to the heartbeat of Hansi Flick’s resurgent side.
When the €58m signing from Leeds United first arrived in 2022, few could have predicted this fairytale turnaround. The early years were fraught with difficulties – tactical square pegs in round holes under Xavi Hernández, stinging criticism from fans, and private battles with his mental health that the courageous attacker chose to make public.
“Three years ago I started psychological treatment,” Raphinha revealed during his darkest period, breaking football’s stigma around mental wellbeing. “I used to think it was for crazy people, but it helped me understand myself as a player and person.”
The numbers tell part of the story: from promising but inconsistent (10G/12A in 2022-23) to world-beating (34G/22A in 2024-25). But statistics alone can’t capture how Flick’s appointment proved the catalyst – finally unleashing Raphinha’s full potential with a system tailored to his electric wing play and razor-sharp decision making.
Now at 28, the man once linked with Saudi exits has become indispensable. His four Clásico masterclasses this season and Champions League heroics have propelled him into Ballon d’Or conversations, while his mentorship of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal showcases his growing leadership.
“This renewal rewards not just goals, but resilience,” a Camp Nou insider told us. “Raphinha fought demons most fans never saw – now he’s their champion.” As Barcelona’s new era takes shape, their reinvented Brazilian star stands as living proof that in football, as in life, the toughest journeys often lead to the sweetest destinations.
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