Barcelona's Brazilian winger Raphinha has named six players who he believes could rival him for the coveted 2025 Ballon d'Or. Despite a stellar season with Barcelona, the 28-year-old winger has admitted that others might edge him out for football's highest individual honor. In an exclusive interview, Raphinha revealed his thoughts on the top contenders for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, highlighting the impressive performances of his peers and shedding light on his own journey in the race.
Raphinha's Impressive Season and the Ballon d'Or Race
Raphinha has enjoyed a fantastic season at Barcelona, contributing 32 goals and 25 assists across all competitions. His blistering performances have helped Barcelona regain their dominance in Spain, making him one of the most prominent wingers in world football. However, Raphinha faces stiff competition from other stars across Europe, and as the Champions League looms large in the Ballon d'Or debate, he finds himself acknowledging the strength of the competition.
Key Points:
- Raphinha has scored 32 goals and provided 25 assists this season.
- He has played a crucial role in Barcelona's success, especially in La Liga.
- Despite his stellar form, he admits other players could surpass him in the Ballon d'Or race.
Six Top Ballon d'Or Contenders Named by Raphinha
In an interview with Brazilian journalist Isabela Pagliari, Raphinha named six players who he feels could win the 2025 Ballon d'Or over him. These players include:
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): The young star has been pivotal in Barcelona’s resurgence.
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): Salah’s leadership has guided Liverpool to a Premier League title this season.
- Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain): Mbappé continues to shine with his incredible goal-scoring abilities.
- Pedri (Barcelona): One of the brightest young talents, Pedri has been essential for Barcelona's attack.
- Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid): Despite slightly lower numbers this season, Vinícius remains a Ballon d'Or contender due to his previous performances.
- Rodrygo (Real Madrid): A player who Raphinha admires greatly, Rodrygo's performances for Real Madrid have not gone unnoticed.
Despite not making the top six, Raphinha’s respect for his competitors is evident, as he goes on to mention other potential candidates like his Brazil teammate Rodrygo. He described him as “spectacular” and “out of the ordinary,” highlighting just how competitive the 2025 Ballon d’Or race could be.
“Rodrygo would be considered. He’s spectacular, phenomenal, out of the ordinary, one of the best I’ve ever seen.” — Raphinha
The Impact of the Champions League on Ballon d'Or Decisions
Raphinha’s candidness about the role the Champions League plays in the Ballon d'Or decision-making process is an important factor. While the Brazilian winger’s numbers have been exceptional, the tournament’s influence cannot be understated. Players from teams who make it deep into the Champions League often have an edge in the race, which means that many of the names Raphinha mentioned — including Mbappé, Salah, and Pedri — will be judged not just by domestic performances, but also by their impact on Europe’s biggest stage.
Raphinha’s Ballon d’Or Odds:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals Scored (2024/25) | 32 |
| Assists (2024/25) | 25 |
| Appearances (2024/25) | 47 |
| Major Trophies Won | La Liga |
Can Raphinha Win the 2025 Ballon d'Or?
Although Raphinha’s chances of winning the 2025 Ballon d'Or took a hit after Barcelona’s Champions League exit, his remarkable season cannot be ignored. With 32 goals and 25 assists in all competitions, his impact has been undeniable. However, with stiff competition from some of Europe’s biggest stars, including Kylian Mbappé and Mohamed Salah, it remains to be seen whether his individual performances will be enough to earn him the prestigious award.
Who do you think will win the 2025 Ballon d'Or? Is Raphinha in the running, or is someone else set to take the crown? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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