The call-up of Raphinha to represent the Brazilian national team during the international break in November 2026 has sparked outrage in Barcelona, after the Brazilian team decided to play two friendly matches in Singapore. Criticism has been directed towards the player, the Brazilian federation, and even FIFA.
During the "Tu Dirás" program on the Catalan radio "RAC1," hosted by Alex Pariset, journalist Joan Bokuy discussed the decision to summon Raphinha for Brazil's participation and expressed his strong objections to the player's trip to Singapore for the friendlies, especially after the injuries he sustained in previous international breaks.
Bokuy stated, as highlighted by the newspaper "Marca": "It makes no sense to go to Singapore for friendly matches with Brazil. It makes no sense that Raphinha was injured during the last three international breaks and then he does it again. It makes no sense to say it doesn't matter and that Ancelotti knows how to handle him... Nothing makes sense in everything related to this man."
The journalist's criticisms didn't stop at Raphinha's call-up, as he demanded that the captaincy of Barcelona be stripped from him, affirming that his participation with Brazil could lead to a new crisis for the Catalan club.
He said: "Personally, I would take the captaincy away from Raphinha right now. And when he returns injured and can't play... it seems like Barcelona keeps players for them to play with their national teams."
He added angrily: "It's a scandal! It's theft! This is intolerable! This international break makes no sense, nor does the precedent, nor does it make sense for this man to go with Brazil now. And it doesn't make sense for him to play in the Nations League... this is madness! By God."
These criticisms come amid the sensitivity of Raphinha's situation within Barcelona, especially with his struggles with injuries during previous international breaks, making his decision to travel with Brazil to Singapore a subject of debate among some media voices close to the club.
Raphinha stated yesterday, Thursday, regarding the renewal of his contract with Barcelona: "Ancelotti understands, as a coach, the necessity of distributing playing time, and injuries, especially with the Brazilian national team. We have talked, and I am recovering from an injury; my condition is very good, but I'm not at full fitness, and there is no need for Barcelona fans to worry, as I always do my best to be in good physical condition."