Fresh off a landmark 2024–25 season that delivered a domestic treble, Brazilian winger Raphinha has weighed in on the swirling debate over the year’s Ballon d’Or contenders.
“I Just Want the Award to Be Fair”: Raphinha Speaks Out on Ballon d’Or Hopes
In an interview with Diario Sport this weekend, the 28-year‑old grew candid when asked if he expects to be in serious contention:
“Ballon d’Or? I just want the award to be fair, that’s all.”
Raphinha’s call for fairness comes after a career-best campaign at Barcelona.
In all competitions, he logged 34 goals and 23 assists from 57 outings, totalling an astonishing 57 goal contributions, which is widely reported as 59 across multiple stat aggregators.
Under manager Hansi Flick, Barcelona switched to an aggressive attacking setup that allowed Raphinha to thrive.
His output was notably strong in La Liga (18 goals, 9 assists) and he produced 21 goal involvements in just 14 Champions League games – including a crucial brace in a semi-final clash with Real Madrid.
Despite this remarkable return, current Ballon d’Or power rankings place him behind club-mate Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele, whose performances were considered decisive in PSG’s Champions League triumph.
Raphinha told Diario Sport he will steer clear of comparing himself to other candidates, emphasising instead the importance of a “fair” selection process.
With the Ballon d’Or shortlist due to be released this August and the gala set for 22 September in Paris, the award remains fiercely open.
For now, Raphinha is content letting the votes speak for themselves, buoyed by what many see as the best form of his career.
He added he’s simply “hoping decisions are made on merit”—a humble stance from one of the year’s most consistent performers.
