Raphinha is honest: Barça, his renewal, competition and Ballon d'Or

If there is a player who has had an outstanding season in 2024/25, that is Raphinha. And how could he not? The Porto Alegre native totaled 34 goals and 25 assists in 57 appearances. And, collectively, fortune was also on his side: he won three awards with FC Barcelona —League, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup—, a National Treble that, added to his individual performance, positions him as one of the best-positioned candidates to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or.

However, his name has recently been on everyone's lips again for another reason: an interview granted to 'Mundo Deportivo' in which he addressed several key issues, including his renewal with Barça and his vision of the future, knowing that the club plans to reinforce with a top-level winger.

Raphinha in the match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in LaLiga EA Sports

Raphinha was not worried about the possible arrival of players like Marcus Rashford or Luis Díaz, who could compete directly with him for a place in the starting eleven. His response was clear and straightforward:

"I don't care at all. With the importance I've had this season, I'm not going to say that I'm an undisputed player, but anyone who comes will have to work harder than me. For me, the important thing is that whoever comes works well and helps the team. The most important thing is to have as many high-level and committed players as possible, and then it's normal for everyone to look for their space," he warned.

Raphinha and market rumors

Beyond the competitive aspect, 'Rapha' recalled that he has always been a player with a market, even before arriving at Barcelona. He received important proposals from the Premier League and even millionaire offers from Saudi Arabia, but his decision was always clear:

"This shows that it was not a lack of level. A player who does not have the level will not be sought by the greats of the Premier League or other important clubs that made very high offers

... But I wanted to be here. Since I was little I followed Barça, I always watched them play. I remember Ronaldinho, Neymar, the history, the titles, the atmosphere, the fans... I always wanted to be here and write my name in the history of the club. I had visited the city and the stadium before, and it was my wish," he admitted.

His renewal: reward for a 'top' season

Regarding his renewal, Raphinha explained that it was the result of his performance and dedication: "To renew I had to perform and give my best version in every game and training session".

In addition, the '11' minimized the fact that the extension was only for one more year than initially planned: "We have reached an agreement, both the club and I thought it was the best thing. If we have to renew again, we will do it without any problem," he said.

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Raphinha renews with FC Barcelona until 2028 and reinforces his role as leader in Flick's project

He also hinted that his desire is to retire at Barça:

"I have been through many clubs and I am 28 years old. After here, I don't know if I would play in another high-level club. My goal is to be here as long as I can give my best"

Hansi Flick's confidence, key to success

Raphinha did not hide that one of the keys to his great season was the confidence received from Hansi Flick:

"Flick has made me feel important where I no longer felt it, where I saw myself more out than in. I always worked like that, but he made me explode. The coach's confidence is everything. He has changed my career. This has been the best season of my life," he explained.

And he added: "Having the confidence of your leader is important. It gives you more security to do your job in the best possible way."

Ballon d'Or? A consequence, not an obsession

His great season has placed him as one of the main candidates for the Ballon d'Or, an recognition that he receives with pride, but also with humility:

"Yes, I'm handling it well, but it's not something that obsesses me. I never imagined in my life being there, among the ten best in the world. If I'm there it's because of this season. Confidence takes you to places you never imagine. Last season I didn't even think about it. And because of the campaign I've done, I'm fighting for an individual award that is the biggest in the world, and being there for me is already a victory," he said.