Barcelona's Raphinha challenges during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Villarreal at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Barcelona extends Raphinha’s contract to 2028 following breakthrough season

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona forward Raphinha signed a contract extension Thursday to stay at the Catalan club until 2028.

The Brazil international has scored 34 goals and provided 25 assists in 56 appearances this season in a breakthrough campaign. He was the most used player by coach Hansi Flick.

Only Robert Lewandowski, who has 40 goals, has scored more this season for Barcelona.

The 28-year-old Raphinha led the team with 13 goals in the Champions League before it was eliminated by Inter Milan in the semifinals.

He netted five of the 16 goals scored by Barcelona in the four “clasico” matches that it won against rival Real Madrid this season.

Barcelona’s Raphinha, centre, celebrates with teammates as whey won the La Liga after the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Villarreal at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Raphinha helped Barcelona lift three trophies this season: the Spanish league, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

Raphinha joined Barcelona from Leeds in 2022. In his first season, he had 10 goals and 12 assists. In 2023-24, he had 10 goals and 13 assists.

Barcelona’s Raphinha lifts the trophy during celebration of winning the La Liga after the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Villarreal at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
Barcelona’s Raphinha, left, and Marc Casado celebrate with the trophy after the La Liga after the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Villarreal at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.
The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles