Raphinha had more influence than Yamal — Barcelona coach rubbishes FIFA XI

Barcelona's head coach, Hansi Flick, has lent his voice to the criticism of the FIFA XI awards, following the omission of star winger Raphinha from the gala squad after his incredible season in the Blaugrana's attack.

Raphinha was objectively the most productive Barcelona player last season, with 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 appearances across all competitions while spearheading the Blaugrana's attack en route to the club’s LaLiga title, Copa del Rey win and Spanish Super Cup success.

He was named LaLiga Player of the Season and finished 5th in the 2025 Ballon d’Or standings, making his first appearance in the prestigious rankings even as teammate Lamine Yamal finished 2nd and Pedri 11th. 

Despite these figures, the Brazil international was controversially left out of FIFA’s 2025 Best Men’s XI, a decision that Hansi Flick labelled a “joke,” pointing to Raphinha’s 22 goal contributions in the Champions League alone as evidence that he deserved inclusion.

Despite the awards suggesting Yamal has a better season than the former Leeds United forward, evident in his higher finish in the rankings and inclusion in the FIFA XI, Flick insisted that Raphinha was Barcelona’s most influential player last season. 

“This FIFA Best XI players is a joke, really a joke,” Flick said. “When I see there is no Raphinha in the side, it's unbelievable. He was player in this team with the greatest influence. 

“In the CL, I think he had 22 goal contributions, the best in the CL. When you see the matches he played, how many goals he scored, assists he had, it's unbelievable. It's not fair to him. It's a joke.”