Barcelona forward Raphinha expressed his disappointment over being excluded from the FIFPRO Men’s World 11. The announcement came after a noteworthy season where Raphinha contributed significantly to his team.
Raphinha’s Impressive Statistics
During the last season, Raphinha recorded remarkable statistics:
- Goals: 34 in 57 games
- Assists: 26
- Champions League Goals: 13 (joint highest scorer)
His contributions helped Barcelona secure major trophies, including LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa.
A Response to the FIFPRO Snub
Raphinha took to Instagram to highlight his achievements following the FIFPRO announcement. Despite his impressive performance last season, he was not selected for the team of the year. More than 20,000 professional footballers vote for this honor, which included other notable players such as:
- Lamine Yamal
- Kylian Mbappé
- Ousmane Dembélé
- Cole Palmer
- Jude Bellingham
Yamal made history by being the youngest player selected, surpassing a record previously held by Mbappé.
Current Situation and Team Impact
Raphinha finished fifth in the recent Ballon d’Or voting, showcasing his significance in the football world. However, he is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and has missed Barcelona’s last seven matches. His absence is felt deeply, as Coach Hansi Flick noted, “I miss Raphinha because he was very important last season.”
Additionally, Raphinha was not included in the Brazil squad for upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia. Prior to his injury, he had scored three goals in the first seven games of the season.
Looking Ahead
Fans are eager for Raphinha’s swift recovery, as his performance is crucial for Barcelona’s upcoming matches, including their Champions League trip to Club Brugge. The team hopes to see him back in action soon.
