The controversy surrounding the 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist has intensified ahead of the awards ceremony in October, with Raphinha’s exclusion criticised by La Liga boss Luis Garcia Plaza.
Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal are considered the leading contenders for the prize, which would be the first Ballon d’Or win of either player’s career.
But the decision to leave out Yamal’s Barcelona team-mates Pedri and Raphinha from the 30-player shortlist has prompted widespread criticism in Spain.
Raphinha has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season, reaching that total with a brace in Barcelona’s 3-1 LaLiga victory away to Sevilla.
Garcia Plaza, whose side are Barcelona’s rivals, questioned France Football’s decision to omit the Brazil forward.
“He’s not even nominated for the Ballon d’Or, that’s a joke! How is he not nominated for the Ballon d’Or?” he said.
“He’s a completely decisive player, that’s why I don’t believe so much in these awards.”