Raphinha, the inexplicable absence from The Best after a Ballon d'Or season

Raphinha is at the center of one of the most difficult absences to explain at The Best awards. The Brazilian winger, a key player for Hansi Flick's FC Barcelona, not only missed out on the podium for the world's best player but also did not feature in FIFA's ideal XI, despite having one of the most complete individual seasons in European football.

His exclusion has generated surprise, debate, and indignation within the Barça circles, especially given the magnitude of his numbers and his real weight in a Barça that won titles and regained continental prestige.

A Historic Season Ignored by FIFA

In the 2024/25 season, Raphinha reached figures worthy of a candidate for major individual awards. He played 57 matches, scored 34 goals, and provided 26 assists, being decisive in all competitions. He was also the top scorer in the Champions League with 13 goals, leading Barça to the semifinals

On a collective level, the Brazilian lifted LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, becoming one of the most decisive players of the season in Europe. Despite this, he finished fifth in the final vote for The Best, 21 points behind the winner, Ousmane Dembélé, and was left out of the ideal eleven

Raphinha's Performance in 2024/25

• 57 matches
• 34 goals
• 26 assists
• LaLiga Champion
• Copa del Rey Champion
• Spanish Super Cup Champion
• Champions League Semifinalist
• Top scorer in the UCL with 13 goals

Bellingham? Comparisons That Fuel Controversy

The controversy grows when analyzing some of the names included. Among those chosen for the best eleven, only two Barça players appear: Lamine Yamal and Pedri. On the other hand, Jude Bellingham was recognized, despite not having his best season with Real Madrid.

The contrast is striking: Raphinha was decisive in titles, an offensive leader, and the top European scorer, but was left out of the spotlight. A decision that many consider inconsistent and which has reinforced the feeling of grievance towards Barça players.

Personal Indignation and Silent Leadership in Flick's Barça

Raphinha Statistics 2024 2025

The discontent also spilled over into the personal sphere. The footballer's wife, influencer Taia Bellolì, expressed her anger on social media, calling the situation an "injustice" and leaving an even more forceful message: "They don't even hide it," in clear reference to FIFA's lack of recognition.

Meanwhile, on the field, Raphinha continues to speak with actions. After recovering from an injury that kept him out for nine games, his return coincided with Barça's competitive resurgence. The team strung together six league victories and rediscovered balance, energy, and leadership, values that the Brazilian brings beyond goals.

Raphinha's Stats in 2025/26

• 13 matches
• 6 goals
• 3 assists

In the 2025/26 season, Raphinha has already scored 6 goals and provided 3 assists in 13 games, with a scoring average of 0.42, close to the 0.59 of the previous season. Furthermore, he has reached 60 official goals with the club in just 157 games, equaling Johan Cruyff but in fewer matches

Global data reinforces his dimension: 157 matches, 60 goals, and 54 assists as a Barça player. Figures that consolidate Raphinha as one of the great references of the current Barça and make his absence among the best in the world even more incomprehensible.

Raphinha's Total Statistics with FC Barcelona

• 157 matches
• 60 goals
• 54 assists

A decision that, far from extinguishing the debate, will continue to fuel the feeling that football does not always reward those who deserve it most.