Raphinha’s Brazil call-up sparks controversy in Barcelona

“It’s a scandal… Take the captain’s armband away from him”: the fierce reaction is aimed at Raphinha’s call-up for Brazil. For the November 2026 international break, Brazil’s national team has chosen to play two friendlies in Singapore. The decision has triggered criticism in Barcelona, directed at the player, the Brazilian federation and FIFA.

One journalist did not stop at challenging the trip: he also called for Raphinha to be stripped of Barcelona’s captaincy. He believes the player’s departure with Brazil could trigger another crisis at the club. In comments reported by the Spanish press, he said travelling to Singapore for the matches made “no sense”. He also pointed out that Raphinha had been injured during his last three international breaks and voiced concern that the same scenario could happen again.

His anger was expressed in blunt terms. The journalist called the situation a “scandal”, a “robbery” and “unbearable”, before condemning Raphinha’s departure with Brazil and saying the break made no sense. He also questioned the value of the Nations League. The remarks reflect concern about the possible consequences of the call-up, but the new crisis he mentioned remains the journalist’s fear, not an established fact.

The backdrop also includes Raphinha’s injuries during previous international breaks. His decision to join Brazil for the matches in Singapore has therefore fuelled controversy among some media voices close to Barcelona. The debate concerns both the trip and the risk of injury, as well as the player’s role at his club.

The day before, on Thursday, while renewing his contract with Barcelona, Raphinha had offered a different message. He said Ancelotti understood the need to manage playing time and explained that he was recovering from an injury. “I’m doing very well, but I’m not at my best,” he said, adding that Barcelona supporters should not worry and that he always did his best to be in good physical condition. The dispute thus sets concerns about his departure with Brazil against the reassurances the player himself had given.