Raphinha Silently Protests Exclusion from FIFPRO Team of the Year
Raphinha, the Brazilian forward for FC Barcelona, recently expressed his discontent regarding his exclusion from the FIFPRO Team of the Year for 2025. Despite being a strong candidate, Raphinha’s performances throughout the 2024/25 season did not secure him a spot on the prestigious list.
Raphinha’s Remarkable Season
During the 2024/25 season, Raphinha showcased his skills by contributing to a total of 60 goals. His achievements included winning several major titles, such as:
- Copa del Rey
- Supercopa de España
- LaLiga
- Champions League semifinalist
These accomplishments highlight his pivotal role in Barcelona’s success during the season.
FIFPRO Team of the Year 2025
The 2025 FIFPRO Team of the Year was determined by votes from over 20,000 professional players. This year, only two Spanish players made the list: Pedri and Lamine Yamal. Notably, Yamal, at just 18 years old, became the youngest player ever selected for the team, surpassing the previous record held by Kylian Mbappé.
Complete Team Roster
The full lineup consists of:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Virgil van Dijk
- Achraf Hakimi
- Nuno Mendes
- Jude Bellingham
- Cole Palmer
- Pedri
- Vitinha
- Ousmane Dembélé
- Kylian Mbappé
- Lamine Yamal
Other prominent players such as Haaland, Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Salah were also among the nominees but did not make the final cut.
Raphinha’s Response
In response to his omission, Raphinha took to Instagram to share a series of stories that highlighted his significant achievements and contributions throughout the season. His posts included videos of his goals and moments celebrating the titles he won, paired with humorous emojis, reflecting his displeasure at not being recognized in the team.
The voting for the FIFPRO Team of the Year considered performances from July 15, 2024, to August 3, 2025. Players needed to participate in at least 30 official matches during this period to qualify for selection.
Conclusion
Raphinha’s absence from the FIFPRO Team of the Year is notable, especially given his stellar season. His reaction underscores the competitive nature of football and the immense pressure players face to be recognized among the elite.
