Raphinha’s Snub: Fifth in the Ballon d’Or, Yet Left Out of the FIFPRO World 11

What more could Raphinha have done? The Brazilian winger’s 2024/25 campaign was the definition of brilliance. A season that merged relentless work rate with sheer magic on the ball. Yet, despite finishing fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings (which was surprising as well), Raphinha found himself shockingly left out of the FIFPRO World 11, sparking widespread debate among fans and pundits alike.

Across 64 appearances, Raphinha tallied 38 goals and 24 assists, delivering consistent match-winning performances for Barcelona. His unforgettable hat-trick against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinal remains one of the standout moments of the season. A display of confidence and technical perfection that lit up Europe.

Beyond the numbers, his trophy cabinet speaks volumes. Raphinha lifted LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, playing a decisive role in all three triumphs. He was not just a winger, he was the spark, the finisher, and the fighter who carried Barcelona’s attack through critical phases of the campaign.

Still, when the FIFPRO World 11 was announced, his name was missing. It’s a snub that feels hard to justify, especially considering the influence he had on his team’s success. For many, Raphinha’s exclusion highlights a broader flaw in how recognition is distributed, where moments of global spotlight sometimes overshadow a season of consistent excellence.

If anything, Raphinha’s 2024/25 season serves as a reminder: greatness isn’t always rewarded the way it should be. But for Barcelona fans and football lovers who watched him week in, week out, he was undoubtedly among the best in the world.