Rafa Márquez to continue with Barça Atlètic next season

Agreement reached between FC Barcelona and Rafa Márquez. The Mexican's contract has been extended to June 30, 2025, meaning he will be Barça Atlètic coach for at least next season.

Two years of growth

The agreement means Rafa Márquez is set to complete a third season as Barça Atlètic coach. The Mexican played for the Club from 2003 to 2010, winning many trophies, including the four Liga and two Champions League trophies. He took charge of the development side in summer 2022 as his first coaching role after a splendid playing career.

Márquez' first season on the bench saw Barça Atlètic have a great season, ending in the promotion play-off places. The team lost out to Real Madrid Castilla in the semi-finals, but the growth and education objectives were met with ease.

The Mexican's second season saw a big step taken forward. With the youngest team in the Primera Federación (just over 19 years old on average), Barça Atlètic again competed excellently against much more experienced opponents, and the team reached the promotion play-off final. The first leg against Cordoba ended 1-1, before they lost the return leg 2-1 at Estadio Nuevo Arcángel. Despite the defeat, the coach and the players were proud of a job well done.

To date, Rafa Márquez has managed 82 games over two seasons with Barça Atlètic, winning 40, drawing 21, and losing 21.