Raphinha is now a Barça player until 2028.

If all those who doubted Raphinha twelve months ago had to do what he did when he walked around the Leeds pitch on his knees after signing his contract, the traffic jams on the Catalan roads would last for days. But in one magical year, the Brazilian has completely turned his situation around. From being written off to being idolized. From having one foot out of the club to becoming one of the pillars of Hansi Flick's team. From seeing how the public and critics embraced Nico Williams, who never managed to score 34 goals and provide 22 assists in the team's 56 official matches. These world-class numbers have allowed him to multiply his performances after two seasons at Barcelona with more shadows than lights and have resulted in the reward of renewing his commitment to the Blaugrana. Raphinha signed a one-year contract extension this Thursday. It was due to expire in 2027, but he has extended it until 2028. "For me, it's very gratifying. I hope to continue bringing lots of joy to the fans. My dream is to be here until the end of my career," he told the club's media.

An extension that comes with a salary increase, in line with spectacular figures. It's no coincidence that the Brazilian signed his new contract the day after Hansi Flick did. The German coach has been instrumental in Raphinha's performance. Both on the sporting side, placing him on the left but with the freedom to run all the diagonals in the world, and on the mental side, instilling in him a confidence that has transformed him.

The Brazilian has scored 34 goals and provided 22 assists this season.

Raphinha, who attended the signing with his partner and son Gael, spoke with Flick in search of a way out and found a manager who told him he was counting on him, and he showed it from day one. The forward has started 31 La Liga matches, 5 Copa del Rey matches, 2 Super Cup matches, and all 14 Champions League matches. His influence on the game has been evident, and his unrepentant spirit has been at its best in each of the team's comebacks, with unforgettable goals like the 4-5 win in the group stage at Benfica or the five he scored against Madrid in the four Clásicos of the season.

"I hope I can continue to bring lots of joy. I want to retire at Barça." Raphinha

His influence in a young squad grew at the same time. He campaigned with stickers in the locker room to be chosen as one of the captains, and he succeeded. And as such, he has performed on the field, talking with the referees, protecting his teammates, and giving his all with an extra dose of passion. Inside the locker room, he has passed on advice to his less experienced teammates. Who would have thought it last season when he couldn't find the net, when he saw Lamine Yamal bursting onto the right wing, the position the Brazilian usually played in during Xavi Hernández's time and when, as a pure winger, he almost never made it past them? Back then, the €58 million fixed fee plus €9 million in variables that Barça paid Leeds for a player represented at the time by Deco seemed like a ruinous investment. But this season everything has changed, and Raphinha has written a new tale. A fairy tale.