The announcement of the 2025 FIFPro World XI made waves across the football world—not just for the players who made the list, but also for those who didn’t. Among the most notable absentees was Raphinha, who didn’t hide his frustration after being left out of the lineup chosen by more than 20,000 professional footballers. The Brazilian winger for Barcelona vented on social media, posting seventeen Instagram stories highlighting, one by one, his statistics and achievements from the past season.

The forward’s reaction was as fierce as his performances throughout the 2024–25 campaign. In the posts, Raphinha shared photos of himself lifting trophies, celebrating goals, receiving MVP awards, and recalling his most brilliant games for the Blaugrana—including several in which he scored hat-tricks. Many interpreted the gesture as a direct response to his exclusion from the prestigious FIFPro lineup.

A Star-Studded XI Dominated by PSG and Young Talents

This year’s team featured heavy representation from Paris Saint-Germain, with five players among the selections: Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, Achraf Hakimi, Vitinha, and Nuno Mendes. The Luis Enrique-coached side, which won the Champions League after a 5–0 demolition of Inter, was the most represented club in the vote.

The lineup also included goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma—who later joined Manchester City—defender Virgil van Dijk from Liverpool, and two of Barcelona’s brightest young stars, Pedri González and Lamine Yamal, the latter making history as the youngest player ever named to the World XI at just 18 years old. The team was rounded out by Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid and Cole Palmer of Chelsea.

Raphinha Feels He Deserved to Be Among the Best

The Brazilian enjoyed an excellent season with Barcelona, contributing goals, assists, and key performances in both LaLiga and the Champions League. His public reaction, however, revealed his disappointment at not being recognized alongside his peers.

While Pedri and Yamal were the only Barça players included, Raphinha was left out despite his impact in the Catalan attack. His protest reflected not just pride, but also the competitive fire that defines his character.

Far from giving up, the Brazilian seems to have turned his frustration into fuel. If his social media posts were a complaint, they were also a warning: Raphinha is determined to prove on the pitch that he deserves a place among the world’s best.