Raphinha's Shocking Snub from FIFA's Best XI Sparks Outrage and Disbelief
Hansi Flick expressed strong disapproval of the 2025 Best FIFA Men's 11 selection, labeling the team "a joke" for excluding Barcelona's Raphinha from the lineup.
The Best FIFA Men's 11, dominated by six Paris Saint-Germain players, was announced during the 2025 Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony. Selected by an expert panel, this annual team highlights the top 11 performers from the preceding season.
However, the 2025 selection featured several questionable choices. Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer secured spots despite underwhelming seasons, while Kylian Mbappé and Raphinha, who delivered outstanding 2024–25 performances, were omitted.
"This FIFA, the best 11 players, this is a joke. Really a joke," Flick stated during Saturday's pre-match press conference ahead of Barcelona's clash with Villarreal.
"When I see there is no Raphinha inside, it's unbelievable. Raphinha was the player [whose] influence on this team last season was the greatest."
The Brazilian star contributed to Barcelona's domestic treble success, tallying 34 goals and 22 assists across 57 matches. The winger not only earned La Liga Player of the Season honors but also set Champions League records with his 21 goal contributions, marking the highest tally in a single European campaign.
"This is really not fair for him, and this is for me, it's a joke. It's a joke. I can't believe he's not in the Best XI of the world. Because after last season, he deserved it."
Raphinha's Outstanding 2024–25 Campaign Goes Unrecognized
Raphinha's omission from the 2025 Best FIFA Men's 11 represents another disappointment for the 29-year-old. The forward was also excluded from the 2025 FIFPRO's World XI, leading him to take to social media to showcase his season's accomplishments.
Raphinha's spouse Natalia Rodrigues also voiced her disappointment through a series of deleted Instagram posts, condemning the "injustice" of ignoring her husband's exceptional campaign.
Adding insult to injury, Raphinha placed only fifth in this year's Ballon d'Or standings, a ranking that fellow Brazilian Neymar described as "a joke." Mohamed Salah, Vitinha, Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé all ranked higher than the former Leeds United player.
Much recognition for Barcelona's 2024–25 success has been attributed to Yamal, who contributed 18 goals and 21 assists for Flick's squad last season. The young talent finished as Ballon d'Or runner-up and earned selection in both the 2025 Best FIFA Men's 11 and FIFPRO's World XI.