Raphinha appoints Ali Barat to finalize Barcelona contract renewal until 2030

Raphinha is staying at Barcelona. The Brazilian winger has appointed Ali Barat, founder of Epic Sports, as his new agent to close out a contract extension that keeps him at the Catalan club through 2030.

The deal adds two years beyond his previous contract, which was set to expire in June 2028.

How the deal came together

Barcelona sporting director Deco confirmed the renewal agreement on September 19, 2026, during the club’s general assembly. According to Deco, terms had been agreed earlier that week, with only administrative formalities left to complete.

Raphinha has been without an agent for about two years, a situation that traces directly back to Deco himself. When Deco transitioned from being Raphinha’s representative to becoming Barcelona’s sporting director, the obvious conflict of interest meant the player needed new representation. That changed when Raphinha tapped Barat to handle negotiations. Barat, who won the Golden Agent Award in 2023, runs Epic Sports.

Raphinha originally arrived at Barcelona from Leeds United in July 2022. He was subsequently appointed captain following Ronald Araújo’s departure.

A captain hitting his stride at 29

Raphinha has opened the 2026-27 season in strong form, contributing between 9 and 11 combined goals and assists in the early stretch of the campaign. At 29, turning 30 in December 2026, the extension through 2030 would carry him to age 33.

Raphinha has expressed his desire to finish his career at Barcelona, citing Hansi Flick’s arrival as influential in that decision. During his time at the club, Saudi clubs including Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr reportedly offered over €80 million for the player, offers Raphinha declined in favor of remaining at Barcelona.

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