Flick Calls Raphinha Omission from FIFA Best XI a Joke

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick sharply criticized FIFA's selection of the 2025 Best Men's XI on Saturday, calling the omission of star winger Raphinha a "joke" during a prematch press conference ahead of the team's La Liga clash with Villarreal.

Flick, who has led Barcelona since last season, voiced his frustration over Raphinha's exclusion from the prestigious lineup, which recognizes top performers from the 2025 calendar year. The Brazilian forward played a pivotal role in Barcelona's domestic treble last season, securing La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup for the first time in club history. Raphinha contributed 13 goals and seven assists in the UEFA Champions League, finishing as the joint-top scorer alongside Borussia Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy, while adding nine more assists in the competition. Across all competitions, he recorded over 60 goals and assists, forming a potent attacking trio with Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski.

"That Raphinha is not there is incredible," Flick said. "The influence was incredible. He was the best scorer in the Champions League. It is a joke. I can't believe he's not there. After his season, he deserved it." The coach...