Raphinha gives Brazil priority over Barça – eases tensions
Julian Raphinha put Brazil's priority ahead of the wishes of FC Barcelona (Barça) and postponed the planned ear operation to October 26, in order to be match‑ready for the Seleção during the November international break. The procedure was to remove a cyst that had developed after a head injury in early October, and it sparked tensions between the 29‑year‑old Brazilian and the Catalan club.
The wound caused Raphinha considerable pain, and aside from the frequent drainage of the abscess, surgery remained the only sensible solution. Without the procedure, the situation would have hardly improved.
The procedure took place on October 26, a day after FC Barcelona's defeat to Real Madrid. This marked the first week in over a month in which Barcelona did not play a midweek match.
During the recovery phase Raphinha missed several training sessions, but returned the following weekend with a protective headband. In the match against Alavés he scored a double‑goal haul.
According to reports, the timing of the operation sparked tensions between the player and the club. The discussion centred on the optimal window for the procedure.
FC Barcelona had preferred that Raphinha undergo the procedure during the two‑week international break in November. The club argued that the break provided sufficient recovery time.
Raphinha emphasised that his priority was to be ready for the Brazilian Seleção. This focus explained his decision to move the operation date forward.
Injuries and Consequences
In each of his last three appearances for Brazil, Raphinha returned to Catalonia with a new injury. These recurring issues hampered his availability.
In March he sustained a thigh injury in a friendly against France, which sidelined him for over a month. The lengthy absence affected his season.
The thigh injury forced him to miss FC Barcelona's Champions League quarter‑final against Atlético Madrid. The club had to cope without him.
In the final hour of the second leg Barcelona lacked a goal that would have taken the match into extra time, while Marcus Rashford and Fermín López squandered clear chances. Raphinha likely would have taken those opportunities.
Later Season Impacts
In the summer, at the start of the 2026 World Cup, he suffered another thigh injury and did not feature for the rest of the tournament. This absence cost Brazil a key attacking asset.
Fortunately the summer break allowed FC Barcelona to have Raphinha recover in time for the start of the 2026/27 season. He is therefore available again for the upcoming season.