Flick hands Barcelona squad nine-day break as Raphinha tips Yamal for Ballon d'Or

FC Barcelona head into the international break with a rare chance to recharge, as Hansi Flick prepares to hand the bulk of his squad an extended mini-vacation. The Catalan giants' latest news round-up also features Raphinha throwing his weight behind Lamine Yamal for football's top individual prize, updates on several players' lives away from the Camp Nou, and reaction from La Liga's president to Real Madrid's latest grievances.

Flick grants players a nine-day break

Hansi Flick is set to give his Barcelona players who are not called up for international duty a nine-day period of rest. The squad will train this week before being granted time off from September 26th to October 4th, offering a valuable breather ahead of the gruelling months to come.

Raphinha backs Yamal for the Ballon d'Or

Barcelona captain Raphinha has publicly backed teenage team-mate Lamine Yamal to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, explaining why the 18-year-old deserves to be crowned the world's best player. The Brazilian forward's endorsement underlines the growing belief inside the dressing room that Yamal is among the elite of world football.

Ferran Torres reflects on PSG and misses Pedri

Ferran Torres has been discussing life at Paris Saint-Germain following his move away from Barcelona, and the forward admitted he is missing former team-mate Pedri. The Spaniard's comments offer a glimpse into the personal adjustments required after leaving the Camp Nou for the French capital.

Marc Casado undergoes clavicle surgery

Midfielder Marc Casado has undergone surgery on a fractured clavicle and is expected to be sidelined for three months. The player is currently enjoying a season-long loan spell at Deportivo, where he will now be forced to watch from the sidelines for the remainder of the campaign's opening phase.

Messi edges closer to 1,000 career goals

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi was on target once again for Inter Miami against San Diego FC. The Argentine great, widely regarded as the greatest of all time, has now reached 930 career goals and continues his steady march toward the historic 1,000-goal milestone.

Tebas hits back at Real Madrid complaints

La Liga president Javier Tebas has reacted to Real Madrid's most recent referee complaints in the wake of their defeat to Atletico Madrid. Tebas did not hold back, declaring that Los Blancos' protests represent an "unfair and cruel way of pressuring the referee." The remarks add another chapter to the ongoing tension between the league's leadership and its most decorated club.