‎’It’s a joke!’ – Sevilla boss blasts Ballon d’Or snub for Raphinha

‎Raphinha can’t stop scoring, the Barcelona forward continued his impressive form this season with an hat-trick against Sevilla.‎

‎The Brazilian forward’s impressive performance at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan saw him take his sensational tally for the campaign to 14 strikes in all competitions.

‎Raphinha’s performance caught the attention of Sevilla boss Luis Garcia, who brands the former Leeds United forward Ballon d’Or snub an absolute joke.

‎Garcia questioned how voters could disregard such sensational output from a decisive forward who continually dictates high-profile encounters.

Raphinha celebrates scoring Barcelona’s second goal during the Spanish league football match against Sevilla. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO / AFP via Getty Images)

‎The Spanish tactician stressed that omitting Raphinha merely reinforced his long-standing scepticism regarding the true credibility of modern individual honours.

‎Blasting the prestigious shortlist before reporters during his post-match press conference, Garcia insisted: “It’s a joke that he’s not even nominated for the Ballon d’Or. He is a match winner, that’s why I don’t believe in these prizes. He does everything.”

‎Raphinha teammate Lamine Yamal is being tipped to win the prestigious award, but he faces stiff competition from the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Michael Olise. 

‎With International football now set to take place for the next three weeks, Raphinha will hope to continue his good form with the Brazilian national team.

‎Raphinha travels to link up with Brazil for high-profile international friendlies against Australia and India.