Raphinha’s Omission from FIFA Best XI ‘Laughable’, Says Incensed Barcelona Coach

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has delivered a scathing verdict on FIFA’s decision to exclude Raphinha from its prestigious Best XI, branding the omission as “laughable” and deeply unfair. Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s La Liga encounter with Villarreal, the German tactician addressed the issue without being prompted, making it clear that the snub had left him genuinely baffled and frustrated.

Raphinha was one of the standout performers in European football last season, enjoying what many consider the finest campaign of his career. The 29-year-old Brazilian winger was a constant driving force for Barcelona, producing exceptional numbers across all competitions. He scored 34 goals and provided 26 assists, combining end product with relentless work rate and tactical discipline—qualities that made him indispensable to the Catalan side.

Barcelona’s silverware haul last season bore Raphinha’s fingerprints all over it. The club secured a domestic treble, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. On the continental stage, Barça also reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2019, signalling a return to Europe’s elite after several transitional years. Much of that resurgence, Flick insists, was fuelled by Raphinha’s consistency and influence in decisive moments.

Despite these achievements, FIFA’s Best XI—announced last Tuesday—did not include the Brazilian. Instead, attacking and midfield places were taken by players such as Ousmane Dembélé, Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham and Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal. The decision immediately raised eyebrows within the football community, but none more so than Flick.

“At the end of the press conference, I want to say something,” Flick remarked. “None of you asked me about it, but I have to speak. Normally, I don’t spend much time thinking about these awards. However, this Best XI is truly laughable. Honestly laughable. I was astonished not to see Raphinha’s name.”

FIFA’s Best XI is selected through a voting process involving national team coaches and captains, journalists and fans worldwide. This year’s side featured goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, along with Achraf Hakimi, Willian Pacho, Virgil van Dijk, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha and Pedri.

Perhaps the most startling detail was the voting outcome itself. Raphinha received just 12 points—fewer than global superstars Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé—despite his statistical dominance and tangible impact on Barcelona’s success.

Raphinha’s 2023–24 Season at a Glance

Flick was emphatic in his defence of his winger. “Raphinha was the most influential player in our team,” he said. “In the Champions League alone, he contributed to 22 goals—the highest in the competition. His goals, his assists, his overall performances were unbelievable. Excluding him is not fair in any way. Even now, it’s hard for me to understand.”

In the current season, injuries have disrupted Raphinha’s rhythm, forcing him to miss nine matches. Nevertheless, since returning in late November, he has rediscovered his sharpness, scoring in three of his last four appearances. He is expected to lead Barcelona’s attack against third-placed Villarreal on Sunday.

Flick will, however, be without midfielder Pedri for that fixture. The Spanish international is nursing a hamstring issue, and the coach is unwilling to take risks. “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 too much.”