Raphinha has already decided when he will leave Barça

For several months now, Raphinha has become the true driving force behind Barça. With Flick on the bench, the Brazilian winger has shown his best footballing and mental version, making a U-turn from what we saw during Xavi's tenure. His impact is so significant that today he is considered one of the most decisive players on the international scene.

Raphinha's growth was reflected in his fifth-place finish in the latest Ballon d'Or. That recognition confirmed an evolution that was already evident on the field. Right now, his importance at Barça is absolutely unquestionable: he has become one of the few untouchables in the locker room.

Raphinha, untouchable for Joan Laporta

In the offices at Camp Nou, there is no debate about his short-term continuity. Joan Laporta wouldn't sell Raphinha even in the face of a massive financial offer. The Brazilian has a contract until 2028 and his performance has already opened the door to a future renewal.

Beyond the numbers, Barça values his daily commitment and his leadership within the locker room. Raphinha has become a role model in the locker room for the younger players because of his understanding of soccer and his great professionalism. Hansi Flick considers him a structural piece of his sports project.

Raphinha has already decided when he will leave Barça

However, to the surprise of many, Raphinha has already informed Joan Laporta that his time at Barça might not be indefinite. The winger has had a very specific goal in mind since he arrived at the club. When he achieves it, he will seriously consider moving on to a new stage.

According to the newspaper SPORT, Raphinha's great obsession is to lift the Champions League trophy with Barça. The Brazilian doesn't want to leave without having won the top continental title. That ambition is what shapes all his future decisions.

Raphinha will leave when Barça win the Champions League

"Raphinha has explained to those close to him that he doesn't want to leave Barça until he achieves the goal he set when he signed from Leeds: to win the Champions League". That confession perfectly sums up his mentality. The Brazilian feels that he has an outstanding debt to the club.

For that reason, the current season could be decisive for his future. If Barça manage to lift the long-desired trophy, Raphinha might consider his cycle complete. In that scenario, an exotic destination can't be ruled out.

If he wins the Champions League, Raphinha could head to Saudi Arabia. There, multimillion-dollar contracts would be waiting for him to face the final years of his professional career. It would be a golden retirement after achieving his great sporting dream.