Deco Defends Raphinha, Seeks Contract Talks and Criticises Ballon d'Or Snub

Overview

• Deco, speaking to RAC1 on Thursday, confirmed Barcelona intend to open contract talks to keep Raphinha beyond his current 2028 deal.
• Raphinha has scored eight goals in five matches and was handed the club captaincy while playing in a centre-forward role, a form Deco praised as merit for retention.
• Deco called the omission of Raphinha and Pedri from France Football’s 30-player Ballon d'Or shortlist a “global scandal” and said he does not understand the selection lists.
• At the same time Deco named teenage winger Lamine Yamal the clear favourite for this year’s Ballon d'Or because of his club and Spain performances.
• The Ballon d'Or shortlist remains official and voting by national journalists is pending, a process that will determine whether Barcelona’s complaints affect perceptions of the award.