Barcelona Star Raphinha Fires Back at Ballon d’Or Snub

Details

Barcelona

winger Raphinha has expressed his frustration at being repeatedly snubbed for the Ballon d’Or award, delivering a sharp six-word message in response to the latest snub. The Brazilian player has been one of the standout performers for Barcelona in 2025, helping the team win multiple trophies and setting a new record for goal contributions in the Champions League.

Outstanding Season

Raphinha’s impressive form in 2025 has seen him record 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 appearances across all competitions. He also matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League record with 21 goal contributions in a single tournament. Despite his outstanding individual performance, Raphinha has been overlooked for major individual recognition, including the Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s The Best XI.

Coach Flick’s Support

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has publicly backed Raphinha, calling the exclusion from FIFA’s The Best XI “a joke.” Flick highlighted Raphinha’s influence on the team and his record in the Champions League, stating that he deserved to be included in the best XI of the world.

Sharp Response

When asked about the Ballon d’Or, Raphinha delivered a blunt six-word response: “Don’t care. Not interesting to me.” The message has gained widespread support on social media, with fans expressing their frustration at the repeated snubs.

Conclusion

Raphinha’s comments and coach Flick’s support have highlighted the frustration and disappointment felt by the player and the team. The snubs have raised questions about the voting process and the recognition given to top performers in the sport.

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