Raphinha enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career with Barcelona, becoming a key figure in a team that lifted three trophies. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Insight.
In La Liga, he scored 18 goals and delivered 10 assists, earning the Player of the Season award. His pace, movement, and finishing made him the heartbeat of Barcelona’s attack. In the Champions League, the Brazilian winger reached an even higher level.
He recorded 13 goals and nine assists, matching a famous record set by Cristiano Ronaldo for goal contributions in a single European campaign. Barcelona’s run to the semi-finals owed much to his consistency and big-game performances.
Raphinha also carried his form onto the international stage. With Brazil, he remained a regular starter, contributing goals and assists while showing leadership and discipline. For many observers, this complete package made his exclusion from FIFA’s Best XI hard to understand.
Flick Unleashes His Anger
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick did not hide his frustration when asked about Raphinha’s omission. He described FIFA’s Best XI selection as a “joke” and said the decision was “unbelievable.” Flick pointed to Raphinha’s influence, numbers, and importance to the team as clear reasons for inclusion.
According to Flick, the winger’s impact went far beyond statistics. He praised Raphinha’s work rate, pressing, and ability to change games in key moments. For a coach who values intensity and consistency, leaving such a player out felt deeply unfair.
Despite his anger, Flick also reflected positively on Barcelona’s season. He described it as one of success for the club and supporters but stressed that the focus must now shift to repeating those achievements and chasing the trophies that still remain out of reach.
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Fans and Family Share the Frustration
The reaction to the decision was not limited to the manager. Barcelona fans across social media voiced disbelief, especially given Raphinha’s role in a domestic treble-winning side. Many felt the winger had been overlooked yet again on the global stage.
Raphinha’s wife, Natalia Rodrigues, also shared her disappointment online. Through a series of posts, she questioned the fairness of the selection and hinted that the voting process lacked transparency. Although the messages were later deleted, they reflected the emotion felt by those closest to the player.
Raphinha himself chose a calmer response. He admitted feeling disappointed but insisted that team success mattered more than individual awards. He stressed that he could only control his performances on the pitch and would continue to work to improve.
Questions Over FIFA’s Voting System
FIFA’s Best XI is decided through a mix of expert panels and fan voting, with both carrying equal weight. While the system aims to be balanced, it often draws criticism when popular opinion clashes with on-field performances.
In Raphinha’s case, the gap between his achievements and the final result raised serious questions. Finishing outside the Best XI and placing fifth in Ballon d’Or voting left many wondering what more he could have done.
For now, Barcelona are moving on. With important fixtures ahead and more silverware to chase, Raphinha’s focus remains on helping his team win. The awards may have passed him by, but his impact on the pitch is impossible to ignore.