Former Barcelona, Inter and PSG midfielder Rafinha Alcântara has decided to end his professional football career.
After a long recovery and struggle with a serious knee injury, The 31-year-old Brazilian said goodbye to football with an emotional message on social networks, admitting that he can no longer return to the highest level.
After some time away from the field and a long recovery, it’s time to announce something important. I have made the decision to retire from football, started Rafinha.
Unfortunately, he has not played for some time due to injury problems:
A little over a year ago, I suffered a knee injury that unfortunately prevents me from returning to football at the highest level. It was hard to accept that I couldn’t go on, said Rafinha in an emotional post on Instagram and thanked everyone for their love and support.
Thank you, football, for making me who I am. goodbye he concluded.
Rafinha Alcântara do Nascimento was born on February 12, 1993 in São Paulo, Brazil. He is the son of a legendary Brazilian soccer player Mazinha, winner of the world title in 1994, and is the younger brother Thiago Alcantara, also a prominent world-class midfielder.
Although born in Brazil, Rafinha grew up playing football in Spain. As a child, he moved to Europe with his family and very early became part of the famous Barcelona La Masia, where he passed through all the younger categories. He made his debut for Barcelona’s first team in 2011, when he was in charge of the club Pep Guardiola.
In a Barcelona jersey won numerous trophies, including La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League, but due to strong competition in midfield, he often had a cameo role. In order to get more playing time, he went on loan to Celta Vigo and Inter, and later left Catalonia permanently. After leaving Barcelona, Rafinha played for Inter, PSG, Real Sociedad and Al-Arabi. He has been without a club since July 1, 2024, and now he has decided to end his career, reports Gol.hr.
Gracias por tu fútbol y por defender estos colores con orgullo y compromiso. 💙❤️
Mucha suerte en esta nueva etapa, @Rafinha. pic.twitter.com/pEBqvtrR9C— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) December 22, 2025
(www.jabuka.tv | Photo: X)
