Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has slammed the exclusion of star winger Raphinha from this year's FIFA Best XI. The Brazilian winger was surprisingly snubbed during the voting despite dropping a career-best season with the Spanish club and helping them win the domestic treble.
Hansi Flick lambasts FIFA Best XI
Flick interacted with reporters ahead of the game against Villarreal in LaLiga on Sunday and capitalised the chance to lambast the award. He noted that the former Leeds United man was the top-scorer in the UEFA Champions League and labeled the award a 'joke' over his exclusion.
"There’s something I wanted to comment on. FIFA’s Best XI is a joke. It’s unbelievable that Raphinha isn’t in it. His influence was incredible. He was the top scorer in the Champions League. It’s unbelievable. And the most important thing is his influence. It’s a joke. I can’t believe he’s not in it. After this season, he deserved it. It’s unbelievable", he said (via GOAL).
Raphinha's unbelievable stats for Barcelona in 2024-25 season
Raphinha forged a deadly trio for Barcelona with Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski in the 2024-25 season as they secured the domestic treble of LaLiga, Copa Del Rey, and the Supercopa. The Brazilian forward amassed 34 goals and 22 assists in just 57 games across all competitions for the Spanish club.
Lamine Yamal and Pedri gets shortlist ahead of Raphinha
Raphinha made it to the 26-man shortlist for this year's FIFA The Best XI but failed to make it to the final XI. Fellow Barcelona teammates Lamine Yamal and Pedri were voted into the XI ahead of the 29-year-old, who won LaLiga's Player of the Season award.
Barcelona to miss Pedri in Villarreal clash
Barcelona are set to miss star midfielder Pedri when they face Villarreal in LaLiga on Sunday. The Spanish international has suffered a hamstring issue, having only just returned to action after an injury.
Barca boss Hansi Flick disclosed during his press conference on Saturday that the 23-year-old will not compete against the Yellow Submarine. He pointed to a minor hamstring problem as the reason for the absence, and said that he will be available for the next game.
“No he’s not available. I am not happy about this, but it’s part of football. He’s injured, but I think for the next game he’ll be ready. He has hamstring problems, but the risk is very high. He could play, but the risk is high. We have to take care of him and make sure he gets treatment. We can’t take any risks. It’s the best thing to do right now. We need him for the upcoming matches against Espanyol and the Super Cup. We have to adapt because we have a lot of quality in the team", he said (via Barca Blaugranes).
Pedri was voted into this year's FIFA The Best Men's XI for the first time in his career, having played exceptionally well for club and country. The midfielder will be a huge loss against Villarreal, but Barcelona should be able to do without him in the match.