Reaction comes after Raphinha failed to make the Best XI despite an outstanding individual season
Raphinha’s wife has vented her frustration on social media after the Barcelona winger was omitted from the Fifa Best XI despite a remarkable individual season.
The Brazil forward was missing from the final XI announced this week, even though Barcelona team-mates Pedri and Lamine Yamal were selected alongside Ousmane Dembele, Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer. Raphinha had been included on the original 26-man shortlist but failed to make the final cut after the player vote.
Raphinha’s wife, Natalia Rodrigues, reacted strongly on social media, describing it as an “injustice” and questioning the credibility of the award.
She wrote: “They don’t even hide it anymore! Is Raphinha a Basketball player?! INJUSTICE.”
The frustration is understandable given Raphinha’s numbers last season. He was central to Barcelona’s domestic treble under Hansi Flick, as the club won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
Across all competitions, Raphinha recorded 34 goals and 26 assists, a level of output that exceeded even that of one of the greatest players of all time Ronaldinho, in his most productive season at the club in 2005-06. Raphinha was also named La Liga Player of the Season.
