Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has launched a stinging critique of FIFA’s selection process after Raphinha was overlooked for the prestigious FIFA Best XI, branding the omission as “laughable” and deeply unjust. Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s La Liga clash against Villarreal, the German tactician raised the issue unprompted at his pre-match press conference, making it clear that his frustration had been simmering.
Raphinha enjoyed a sensational campaign with Barcelona last season, emerging as one of the most decisive attacking players in European football. Across all competitions, the 29-year-old Brazilian winger registered an outstanding 34 goals and 26 assists, numbers that placed him among the elite performers of the season. His relentless consistency, creativity and knack for decisive moments proved central to Barcelona’s domestic dominance.
Fuelled by Raphinha’s brilliance, Barça completed a remarkable treble, lifting La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. In addition, the Catalan giants reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2019—an achievement widely seen as evidence of the club’s return to Europe’s top table.
Yet, when FIFA unveiled its Best XI last Tuesday, Raphinha’s name was conspicuously absent. Instead, attacking and midfield positions were filled by stars such as Ousmane Dembélé, Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham and Barcelona’s own teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The decision sparked disbelief within the club, none more so than Flick himself.
“None of you asked me about this, but I want to address it,” Flick told reporters. “Normally, I don’t concern myself too much with these awards. But this Best XI is genuinely laughable. Truly laughable. I was shocked not to see Raphinha’s name on the list.”
FIFA’s Best XI is determined through votes cast by national team coaches and captains, journalists and fans worldwide. This year’s team included goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, alongside Achraf Hakimi, Willian Pacho, Virgil van Dijk, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha and Pedri.
Perhaps most astonishing was the voting breakdown: Raphinha accumulated just 12 points—fewer than both Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé—despite his overwhelming influence on Barcelona’s season.
Flick did not hold back in his assessment. “Raphinha was the most influential player in our squad,” he said. “In the Champions League alone, he contributed directly to 22 goals—the highest tally in the competition. His goals, his assists, his overall impact were extraordinary. To exclude him is completely unfair. Even now, I find it hard to believe.”
Raphinha’s Key Numbers (2023–24 Season)
| Category | Total |
| Appearances (All Competitions) | — |
| Goals | 34 |
| Assists | 26 |
| Champions League Goal Contributions | 22 |
| Major Trophies Won | 3 |
In the current campaign, injuries have disrupted Raphinha’s rhythm, forcing him to miss nine matches. However, since returning in late November, he has rediscovered his scoring touch, finding the net in three of his last four appearances. He is expected to spearhead Barcelona’s attack against third-placed Villarreal on Sunday.
Barcelona will, however, be without midfielder Pedri. The Spanish international is sidelined with a hamstring issue, and Flick has opted for caution. “Pedri won’t play,” Flick confirmed. “That’s part of football. The injury isn’t serious, and we expect him to be ready for the next match. Taking a risk now would be unnecessary.”