A highlight of the campaign that led Barcelona to win La Liga in the 2024/25 season, striker Raphinha won, this Sunday, the award for best player in the competition at the 16th edition of the Globe Soccer Awards, which brought together today’s top stars in a ceremony held at the Atlantis The Royal hotel, in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.
With 19 goals and 8 assists in the last edition of LaLiga, Raphinha did not attend the awards ceremony and was represented by the president of Barcelona, Joan Laporta, but sent a message via video, in which he apparently sent a message to FIFA, which did not even include him in the selection of the 11 best of the year in The Best awards.
“I want to thank La Liga for this award and for watching my games last season. I also want to thank the entire team and the entire club, which is more than a club, it’s a family”, said Raphinha. “I apologize for not being able to be here, but I am very happy that my work is being recognized. It was an unforgettable season, both for the team and for me.”
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Raphinha’s absence from The Best awards was criticized by Barcelona coach Hansi Flick on the eve of the game with Villarreal. The German asked to speak after the press conference and classified it as a “joke” that the Brazilian was not remembered at the FIFA ceremony.
The Globe Soccer Awards are organized by the European Club Association (ECA) and the European Player Entrepreneurs Association (EFAA) and offered since 2010. Goalkeeper Alisson, midfielder Casemiro, striker Romário and Fluminense have already received awards – Vini Jr. won in the best player category last year.
This Sunday, Frenchman Ousmane Dembélé confirmed his favoritism and took the trophy for best player of the 2024/25 season. Competing for the best team award, Flamengo was surpassed by Paris Saint-Germain. Lamine Yamal, Vitinha, Cristiano Ronaldo, Aitana Bonmatí and tennis player Novak Djokovic, debuting at the sports awards in general, were other names honored with trophies.
