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Raphinha Sees Silver Lining in FC Barcelona’s Club World Cup Absence

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 12:21 PM ET

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has brought lots of divided opinions in regards of having the tournament held in the summer right after a long season. FC Barcelona star Raphinha is one of those that is against having a Club World Cup right after a league season.

A popular opinion that is against the Club World Cup is the high risk of injuries for players who have played over 40 games in the recent 2024-25 European season.

Raphinha spoke about the lack of time off for players who are participating in the Club World Cup. Barcelona did not qualify for the Club World Cup, which is a positive for Raphinha, who is currently on vacation.

Raphinha couldn't help but feel sympathy for players who are playing the summer tournament in the U.S.

The Brazilian star's words revealed how some players feel about playing more tournaments and reducing their vacation time, which, to Raphinha, is a problem.

Raphinha's words also caused divided opinions due to his complaints about having less time off, as his profession is a dream for many fans.

️ Raphinha on the Club World Cup: "Many people say that Europeans are making many excuses, but giving up vacation is very difficult."

"It’s really terrible to give up your vacation only to end up forced to play. At no point they asked the players if they wanted to play." pic.twitter.com/zuEvP9QZr1
— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) June 27, 2025

Raphinha on the Club World Cup

Raphinha mentioned the lack of communication from the organizers of soccer schedules to the players. Raphinha also gave a perspective of fellow Brazilian players who finished the European season and are currently at the Club World Cup.

Raphinha: "Speaking personally, as a player from a European club, we would be on vacation, right? I'm on vacation; they would be on vacation. For example, Marquinhos and Beraldo were Champions League winners; they didn't even celebrate properly and traveled to play with the National Team, then went straight to the World Cup. They haven't stopped yet."

Raphinha also revealed an ideal timeframe for players to enjoy vacations to be around three weeks to a month. The Brazilian player also reveals the obligations of players in regards to tournaments like the Club World Cup.

Raphinha: "Having the obligation to give up vacations is very complicated because it's our right. Everyone deserves at least 3 weeks or 1 month of vacation. And many who are at the World Cup won't have that. It's really bad to give up my vacations to play something you're forced to. At no point did they ask the players about dates, if they wanted to play... They just say: 'You have to go, period.' We follow orders, we have to be there playing. So, speaking as a player from a European club, having to give up my vacations to play a new tournament is very complicated."

"Abrir mão das férias por obrigação é complicado." ⚽ Raphinha falou sobre o calendário do #MundialDeClubes2025 e todos os jogadores que precisaram abrir mão do descanso. pic.twitter.com/yTh78RRRVI
— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) June 27, 2025

When will FC Barcelona play again?

FC Barcelona will start pre-season in late July, just two weeks after the end of the Club World Cup. Barcelona will be heading to Asia for three friendly matches.

FC Barcelona Asia Tour