Raphinha has declined to discuss his omission from the 30-player Ballon d’Or shortlist, insisting his attention is firmly on Barcelona after their 5-1 Champions League victory over Feyenoord on Wednesday, 9 September.
The Brazil forward scored twice as Barcelona produced a commanding performance against Feyenoord, continuing a remarkable beginning to the season across all competitions.
Raphinha was asked about the Ballon d’Or shortly after the match, having been left out of the shortlist announced the previous day. However, the 29-year-old made clear that he did not want the focus to move away from Barcelona’s progress.
"I'm not talking about the Ballon d'Or. I'm talking about Barcelona, who are having a spectacular season," Raphinha said in an interview with Movistar+.
"I'm working to score goals."
Raphinha’s two goals against Feyenoord took his tally to eight in five appearances this season. He has also provided one assist during that run, underlining his importance to Barcelona’s attack.
He played as a striker in Wednesday’s match, having moved into the central role after Barcelona’s failure to sign Julian Alvarez during the summer. The change in position has coincided with an outstanding return in front of goal, with Raphinha now averaging more than a goal per game across his five outings.
His display against Feyenoord came just one day after his absence from the Ballon d’Or shortlist was confirmed. Despite that decision, Raphinha avoided expressing disappointment and instead directed his comments towards Barcelona’s current campaign.
The 5-1 result gave Barcelona another emphatic Champions League performance, while Raphinha’s goals continued a run of form that has made him one of the central figures in their attack.
Rather than discuss individual recognition, he stressed his immediate objective: contributing goals for Barcelona. His response also reflected the forward’s focus on the team’s strong start, with the club described by Raphinha as enjoying a “spectacular season”.
Raphinha’s latest performance means his early-season record now stands at eight goals and one assist from five games in all competitions. The forward’s contribution against Feyenoord was particularly decisive, as his brace helped Barcelona ease to a 5-1 win.
His omission from the Ballon d’Or shortlist therefore formed the backdrop to his post-match interview, but it was not a subject he was prepared to pursue. Raphinha instead used the opportunity to underline his commitment to Barcelona and his determination to keep scoring.