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Raphinha Barcelona 2025-26Getty
Chris Burton

Revealed: Why Raphinha was unexpectedly dropped for Barcelona's rout of Valencia as Hansi Flick punishes his captain

Raphinha
Barcelona
LaLiga
Barcelona vs Valencia
Valencia

The reasons for Raphinha being unexpectedly dropped by Barcelona for their La Liga clash with Valencia have been revealed. Hansi Flick removed the Brazilian forward from his starting XI, with the South American - who fills the captain’s armband for the Blaugrana - being punished for off-field misdemeanours that left his demanding German coach frustrated.

  • Teen sensation handed full debut

    Raphinha did go on to figure prominently against Valencia, as he bagged a brace in a crushing 6-0 win. That impact did, however, have to be made from off the bench. Teen sensation Roony Bardghji was handed his full debut against Los Che in his place.

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  • Raphinha Barcelona 2025-26Getty

    Barcelona hit Valencia for six

    Raphinha replaced the youngster at half-time, with Barca leading by one goal at that point, and scored twice in the space of nine second-half minutes as Fermin Lopez and Robert Lewandowski also netted two efforts apiece.

  • Why Raphinha was benched by Barcelona

    According to The Athletic, Raphinha was included among the substitutes “because he was late to a pre-game muscle activation session on Sunday morning”. He had started Barca’s three previous La Liga fixtures this season, all while wearing the armband.

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  • Hansi FlickGetty Images

    Others that fell foul of Flick's strict rules

    He is not the first player to fall foul of Flick’s strict timekeeping rules. Jules Kounde was taken out of Barca’s starting line-up on three occasions last season after being late to pre-match meetings, while goalkeeper Inaki Pena missed out on a Super Cup clash with Athletic Club after breaching the same policy.

  • Barcelona schedule: Champions League next up

    Raphinha has served his punishment and will expect to make an immediate return to Barcelona’s starting XI next time out against Newcastle in the Champions League on Thursday. He hit a personal-best 34 goals last season to force his way into Ballon d’Or contention.