Deco confirms plans to renew Barcelona captain’s contract, expresses shock at Ballon d’Or snub: ‘A global scandal’

Deco confirms plans to renew Barcelona captain’s contract, expresses shock at Ballon d’Or snub: ‘A global scandal’ Speaking in an interview with RAC1 (h/t SPORT ), FC Barcelona sporting director Deco has hailed the brilliant start to the season made by club captain Raphinha. At the same time, the former Portuguese international also confirmed that the club intend to renew their captain’s current contract. Raphinha has made a blistering start to the campaign , already bagging eight goals in five matches, including a brace last evening against Feyenoord. Handed the club captaincy, the Brazilian winger is leading by example, in an unfamiliar role as a centre-forward, repaying the trust shown in him by Flick, Deco, and Barça. Deco on Raphinha And, Deco highlighted how Raphinha’s start, coupled with the presence of other players, had ensured that Barcelona were not missing a natural striker in the team. Raphinha has scored eight goals in five games. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) “We’re not short of a goalscorer. Raphinha is doing very well. Gabriel, who’s the closest to a number nine, is a team player. Hamza, on the other hand, is a proper number nine – one with a bright future,” he said. Talking about Raphinha being named the first captain this season by Flick, Deco elaborated: “The captaincy is a well-deserved honour. Every player has their pride, their personal side. Being captain of Barça is a dream. “Raphinha has built his reputation in the dressing room and at the club; it doesn’t happen overnight. He’s happy here. Flick has always brought out the best in him.” Confirming plans to renew his contract, which runs until 2028, Deco stated: “We’re always keeping a close eye on our players to ensure we’re on top of contract matters. There’s also a question of meritocracy. “We don’t want any imbalances, where one player is ranked below another, to avoid problems. He’s one of the players we want to keep for another year. We’ll speak to him.” Surprise at Ballon d’Or snub Raphinha was left out of the Ballon d’Or final 30 list. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) During the interview, Deco also touched upon the recent Ballon d’Or final-30 list being announced , and expressed his absolute shock to see that Raphinha as well as Pedri had been left out. “It’s a global scandal. I don’t understand the shortlists. Individual awards are unfair. Football is a team sport; it’s difficult to single out individuals,” he said. “Seeing that Pedri isn’t on the list, given the talent he has, I just don’t get it,” Deco added. At the same time, Deco made it clear that he sees Lamine Yamal as the absolute favourite to win the Ballon d’Or, saying: “Lamine must be the favourite given everything he’s done for Barça and the national team. He’s had some key moments. He went into the World Cup carrying an injury. Last season he was pivotal; he was the best in LaLiga. For me, yes. I see no doubt about it.” On Lionel Messi and his record eight Ballon d’Or wins, he added: “Could someone else have won in the years Leo won it? Yes, but Leo was the best.”