Barcelona’s Raphinha has been making headlines recently, not for his on-field performances, but for the controversy surrounding his exclusion from The Best FIFA Men’s XI. His wife, Natalia Rodrigues, took to Instagram to express her disappointment, questioning if those who voted thought he was playing basketball instead of football. She highlighted Raphinha’s impressive stats and contributions to Barcelona and Brazil in the 2024/25 season, making it clear that they were not hiding their bias.
Raphinha himself spoke out earlier this year about being snubbed for the Ballon d’Or, expressing his disappointment at finishing fifth in the race. Despite this setback, he remains focused on his ultimate goal of winning the FIFA World Cup with Brazil, describing it as the biggest dream of his career. The Brazilian winger joined Barcelona in 2022 and played a crucial role in their success under manager Hansi Flick, helping the team secure victories in the Copa del Rey and La Liga.
When asked about his supposed rivalry with Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal, Raphinha dismissed the notion, emphasizing their mutual desire to push each other to perform at their best for the team. He also expressed his desire to retire at Barcelona and leave a lasting legacy at the club, although he acknowledged the unpredictability of football and the need to focus on giving his best every day.
As Raphinha continues to excel on the pitch and make a name for himself at Barcelona, his fans eagerly await what the future holds for the talented winger. With a contract that runs until 2028, there is no doubt that he will continue to dazzle audiences with his skills and passion for the game.
