Raphinha Delivers Strong Criticism Of New Format

From afar, and without taking part in the current Club World Cup, Raphinha has voiced his concerns about a growing issue in football: the overload of matches and lack of rest. The FC Barcelona forward openly criticized the tournament’s new format, stating that players are being forced to sacrifice their time off without having a real choice.

"You have to go and that’s it, because we follow orders, we have to be there playing," the winger said in a recent interview. "Giving up our vacation by obligation is very complicated because it’s our right. Everyone deserves at least a month off, maybe three weeks. And many of those playing in the World Cup won’t even get a month."

Players’ Right To Rest Sparks Debate

Raphinha’s words echo a sentiment shared by many footballers lately. Several have expressed growing concern over FIFA’s new competition calendar, with the Club World Cup at the center of controversy. Although the Barça winger would love to be competing against the world’s best, he insists that planning should prioritize the physical and mental health of the players.

“Football is a job like any other, and we need breaks to recharge. You can’t keep up this level of intensity without rest,” said the 27-year-old.

A View From The Sidelines

While clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Flamengo take center stage at the tournament in the United States, Raphinha watches from home and makes it clear that sporting ambition shouldn’t come at the expense of player well-being.

His statements add to a broader conversation in world football: how far should players be pushed in the name of entertainment and business? For Raphinha, the answer is simple—rest is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

The Barcelona attacker’s message could spark a wider debate that the sport’s governing bodies will eventually need to address.