Raphinha targets Barcelona stay beyond 2030 and Champions League glory

Barcelona captain Raphinha says he would be delighted to finish his career at the club, provided he can maintain the physical level required to perform at the highest standard.

The Brazil international has extended his contract with Barcelona until 2030 and described the deal as a source of great pride for himself and his family.

“It is a feeling of immense pride for me and my family,” Raphinha said at a news conference on Thursday. “Only we know what we go through internally. I am very proud of everything I have achieved individually and collectively.

“I hope to continue for many more years. If my physical condition allows me to keep performing at a high level, I would be happy to end my career at this club. I am doing everything I can for Barcelona.”

Raphinha acknowledged that he is still recovering from an injury and is not yet fully fit ahead of the next international break.

“Ancelotti understands, as a coach, the need to manage playing time, especially with the injury and the Brazil team,” he said. “We have spoken. I am recovering from an injury and my condition is very good, but I am not at full fitness. Barcelona fans do not need to worry because I always do everything I can to be physically ready.”

He said playing on the same day as the death of Tenerife striker Miguel de Jesus would be difficult, but added that the club would follow the appropriate decisions.

“I want to play because it is our job. There are people responsible for making decisions in these situations, and we will do what the club says,” Raphinha said. “It was a tragedy and something that affected me deeply. One way of showing respect is to continue working.”

Raphinha backs Lamine Yamal

Raphinha rejected the idea that he and Lamine Yamal are competing against one another for individual honours.

“Our rivalry is not a real rivalry,” he said. “I want him to have the best statistics and win everything with the club. If you asked him, he would say the same about me. I would be happy if he won 10 Ballon d’Or awards.”

Raphinha added that he does not play for individual prizes, saying his priority was to give his best for Barcelona whenever his body allowed him to do so.

He also dismissed comparisons with the Brazilian greats who previously played for Barcelona. “I do not like comparisons,” he said. “They made history at the club and are loved by the supporters. I am doing everything I can to earn a place in their hearts.”

The forward said he had faced criticism during his first two years at Barcelona but always believed in his ability. He has also adapted to several positions, including playing as a central striker, and admitted his scoring figures had surprised him.

“I changed position several times, always looking for what was best for my team-mates and the coach,” he said. “I knew I could score because of the quality we have, but the numbers surprised me a little. Now I believe we can achieve more.”

Barcelona face Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Sunday, 08 November 2026. Raphinha said the team respected their opponents but believed they had a positive record at the Metropolitano.

His ambitions remain focused on trophies, particularly the Champions League.

“We want to win every title possible,” he said. “There is one trophy, the Champions League, that we are determined to win. I want to win every title possible until 2030.”

Raphinha revealed he watches a number of players to improve his game, including Gabriel Jesus, Yamal, Antony and Hamza Abdelkarim. He also spoke warmly about Barcelona sporting director Deco, his former agent and now close friend.

“I have always considered him like a father,” he said. “He believed I could reach a club like Barcelona even before I knew my own capabilities.”

Raphinha said Barcelona had recovered well despite heavy defeats by Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. “We lost three points, but we are still top of the league and in good shape,” he said. “I want to win the Champions League and the other three trophies available to us.”