Real Madrid veteran praises Barcelona captain Raphinha after Ballon d’Or snub: ‘Doesn’t always get the recognition’

Real Madrid veteran praises Barcelona captain Raphinha after Ballon d’Or snub: ‘Doesn’t always get the recognition’ Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has offered a strong assessment of Barcelona forward Raphinha, insisting the Brazilian does not receive the recognition his performances deserve. Raphinha, who recently returned to Barcelona for medical tests , was surprisingly absent from the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or after missing 26 matches for Barcelona last season because of hamstring problems. The omission comes just a year after the Brazilian finished fifth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting following a remarkable treble-winning campaign with Barcelona.  Raphinha made no secret of his disappointment at missing out on the award, having previously suggested he deserved to finish ahead of eventual winner Ousmane Dembele. His response this season has been emphatic. Before the current international break, the 29-year-old had already produced 14 goals and three assists in just eight appearances, making himself one of the most productive forwards in Europe. Courtois singles out Raphinha ahead of El Clasico Thibaut Courtois has praised Raphinha. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Courtois has now highlighted just how important Raphinha has become to Barcelona, pointing specifically to the difference in the team when the Brazilian is available. Speaking to Onda Cero (h/t SPORT ), the Real Madrid veteran said,  “I really like Raphinha. He is a key piece in Barça. When he hasn’t been there, I think they’ve struggled a lot, and when he is, they’re playing well. “He doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves. We’ll have to stop him in a month’s time.” Raphinha’s importance to Hansi Flick’s side has grown considerably since the last season, and his numbers at the start of the current campaign have only strengthened that status. Courtois backs Mbappe for Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Despite being left out of the Ballon d’Or shortlist, Raphinha has remained one of Barcelona’s most influential attacking players.  Courtois backs Mbappe for the Ballon d’Or Courtois’ praise for Raphinha does not mean he believes the Barcelona forward should win this year’s Ballon d’Or. The Belgian instead backed his Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappe, while explaining that individual performance should carry more weight than the number of trophies won by a player. “I think the Ballon d’Or should go to the best player of the year, not the one who has won the most trophies. By that logic, perhaps Carvajal should have won it two years ago, as he had a spectacular year. “For me, it’s Mbappe because if you see him play on the field, what he does is amazing with his speed. It is impressive, and his goals too…” the Belgian concluded.