Raphinha turns Spanish Super Cup celebration into statement: Barcelona hero aims subtle seven-word jab at FIFA and Ballon d’Or jury

Barcelona's recent triumph in the Spanish Super Cup was not just a showcase of their on-field prowess but also a moment for Brazilian winger Raphinha to make a bold statement. As the Catalan giants celebrated their victory, Raphinha turned the occasion into a platform to voice his discontent with FIFA and the Ballon d’Or jury, delivering a subtle yet impactful seven-word jab.

Barcelona's Road to Victory

The Spanish Super Cup final, held on January 15, 2024, saw Barcelona facing off against arch-rivals Real Madrid in a high-stakes clash. The match, played at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, ended in a 3-2 victory for Barcelona, thanks to goals from Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, and a late winner from the young sensation, Lamine Yamal.

Raphinha's Subtle Message

Amidst the jubilant scenes post-match, Raphinha, who played a crucial role in the build-up to Barcelona's success, took the opportunity to address an issue close to his heart. Holding the trophy aloft, he reportedly uttered a seven-word phrase, "Maybe now they'll start paying attention to us." This was perceived as a direct jab at the Ballon d’Or jury and FIFA's perceived bias against players outside the traditional top contenders.

Context Behind the Statement

Raphinha's comments come in the wake of ongoing debates surrounding the selection criteria and transparency of the Ballon d’Or awards. Many players and pundits have criticized the awards for favoring certain leagues and clubs when it comes to player recognition. Despite his impressive performances since joining Barcelona, Raphinha has often been overlooked in global accolades.

His statement resonates with a broader sentiment among fans and players who believe that exceptional talents in leagues like La Liga deserve more recognition on the international stage.

Barcelona's Future Prospects

With this victory, Barcelona has set a strong precedent for the remainder of the season. The club is currently in a fierce battle for the La Liga title, where they are neck-and-neck with Real Madrid. Raphinha's form will undoubtedly be crucial as Xavi's side looks to reclaim domestic glory and make a deep run in the UEFA Champions League.

As the season progresses, the Brazilian winger's comments will surely add a layer of intrigue to Barcelona's campaign, as fans and critics alike wait to see if Raphinha's performances will indeed sway the global football jury.