Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has come under heavy criticism after his latest squad decisions sparked accusations of bias against Barcelona. The Italian tactician, who only left Real Madrid a few months ago, has been accused of favoring his former players by giving them rest while demanding much more from Barcelona winger Raphinha. The controversy arose after Ancelotti left out Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Éder Militão, and Endrick from Brazil’s squad during the September international break, yet called up Raphinha and played him for 80 minutes in Brazil’s clash against Chile.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo pointed out the stark contrast, highlighting how Real Madrid’s stars were given time to recover while Raphinha was not only called up but also expected to feature in Brazil’s upcoming match against Bolivia — at a punishing 4,100 meters above sea level. Critics argue that such treatment is unfair, especially considering Brazil has already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, meaning these fixtures carry little competitive weight. For Barcelona fans, the decision feels like a deliberate attempt to overwork their winger while protecting Madrid’s assets.
The accusations are fueled by Ancelotti’s past ties with Real Madrid, where he managed until May 2025. Some believe this background makes his squad management appear suspicious, even if unintentionally. Barcelona-based journalists have stressed that Raphinha is being forced into physically demanding matches while Ancelotti rotates others and rests players he coached not long ago. To them, this creates the impression of favoritism toward Real Madrid’s stars at the expense of their Barcelona counterpart.
On the other hand, some voices in the football community have defended Ancelotti’s decision. Supporters argue that the coach sees qualities in Raphinha — particularly leadership, energy, and tactical discipline — that make him indispensable to the national team setup, regardless of club loyalties. As one fan noted in response, it could even be seen as a compliment that Ancelotti trusts a Barcelona player enough to make him a central figure in his Brazil project. Others suggested that instead of questioning bias, fans should appreciate that Raphinha is valued highly on the international stage.
Still, the debate remains heated. For Barcelona fans, the priority is keeping their winger fresh and injury-free, while for Ancelotti, the focus seems to be on building a team identity for Brazil — even if that means relying heavily on Raphinha. What is clear is that the Italian’s every move will continue to be scrutinized, especially when the lines between club rivalry and national duty blur so sharply.
