Barcelona stunned as Pedri and Raphinha miss out on Ballon d’Or shortlist

Barcelona have been left with mixed feelings after the 30-player shortlist for the Ballon d’Or was announced on Tuesday, with Pedri and Raphinha notably absent despite their influential performances during the previous season.

The Catalan club has two representatives on the list in Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi. Rodri, who played for Manchester City last season, has also been nominated, while Ferran Torres, now a Paris Saint-Germain player, completes the group of players with Barcelona connections.

However, Pedri and Raphinha were unable to secure places among the nominees. Pedri, who is from Tenerife, finished 11th in the previous Ballon d’Or voting, while Raphinha was ranked fifth.

Catalan newspaper Sport described the decision to leave out the two Barcelona players as unjust.

Pedri’s performances at the World Cup were not among his strongest, with Spain manager Luis de la Fuente preferring Fabian Ruiz in his position. His contribution to Barcelona’s campaign, though, was central to the club’s success.

The midfielder made 43 appearances for Barcelona last season, scoring twice and providing 12 assists. His wider influence was considered even more significant, as he acted as the creative hub of a team that dominated La Liga, won the Spanish Super Cup and came close to reaching the UEFA Champions League final.

Raphinha also had a less convincing World Cup, as Brazil were among the tournament’s major disappointments. His club season did not match the remarkable statistics he produced in 2024-25, but his omission remains surprising given the quality of the shortlist and the inclusion of players such as Sadio Mane, Julian Quinones and Dayot Upamecano.

The Brazilian still recorded 21 goals and eight assists in 33 matches for Barcelona. Although he did not reach his peak level throughout the campaign, those figures remain highly impressive.

Both Pedri and Raphinha are regarded as key members of Hansi Flick’s team. Their exclusion from the Ballon d’Or shortlist could provide additional motivation as they seek to demonstrate that they belong among the leading players in world football.

The nominations are expected to generate considerable debate, particularly because several prominent names were omitted. Pedri and Raphinha are among the clearest examples, especially as both players are currently enjoying strong form and remain important figures for Barcelona.

Barcelona’s hopes of producing the Ballon d’Or winner now rest largely on Yamal. Rodri, and perhaps even Cubarsi, could also enter the wider conversation around the award.

On Tuesday, Yamal, who is from the Rocafonda district, held a notably mature news conference. He placed the interests of the team ahead of personal ambitions while also underlining his own status and reputation in an assured and dignified manner.

The final shortlist has therefore offered Barcelona recognition through Yamal, Cubarsi, Rodri and Ferran Torres, but it has also created a sense of grievance over the absence of two of the club’s most influential performers.