Raphinha’s Absence in FIFA Best XI Sparks Controversy

Raphinha’s Impact on Barcelona

Last season, Raphinha played a pivotal role on the left flank for Barcelona, contributing significantly to the team’s achievement of a domestic treble.

However, the 29-year-old was notably left out of the coveted FIFA Best XI, a selection process that included input from national team coaches, captains, journalists, and fans. Among those who made the list were Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham.

Criticism from Flick

German national team coach Hansi Flick expressed his disbelief at Raphinha’s omission during a news conference following the award ceremony held earlier this week.

“This FIFA Best XI players is a joke, really a joke,” Flick remarked, emphasizing his surprise. “When I see there is no Raphinha in the side, it’s unbelievable.”

Raphinha’s Champions League Performance

Barcelona faced Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals, where Raphinha distinguished himself by finishing as the joint-top scorer with 13 goals and providing the most assists, totaling seven. Flick praised Raphinha’s contributions, stating he had “the best (goal contributions) in the Champions League.”

“When you see the matches he played, how many goals he scored, assists he has, it’s unbelievable,” Flick continued. “More, it’s the influence he had on the team. This is really not fair to him.”

Flick reiterated his amazement over Raphinha’s exclusion from the best XI, asserting, “For me it’s a joke, I cannot believe he’s not in the best XI because after this season he deserved it, it’s unbelievable.”

Barcelona’s Current Status

Raphinha’s return from an injury has played a crucial role in helping Barcelona regain their form in the current season after a slow start. The team currently leads La Liga and is set to face Villarreal on Sunday, aiming to maintain their position at the top, especially with Real Madrid lying in second place and hosting Sevilla on Saturday.

Barcelona will be without their key playmaker, Pedri Gonzalez. Flick noted, “He’s not available, I’m not happy about this but it’s part of football.” He added, “He’s injured but I think for the next game he’s ready (against Espanyol on January 3). He had a problem with the hamstrings and we take care (regarding that), the risk is too high.” Flick expressed his caution, stating, “Maybe he could play but the risk is too high, and if something happens he’s out for two months.”