THis latest Ballon d’Or award ceremony is still resonating with fans, but one player in particular. That’s Rafinha.
The award, the first of his career, went to Ousmane Demble after a memorable 2024-25 season with Paris Saint-Germain. But for Barcelona’s star player, this honor should have gone to him.
Kylian Mbapp looks at Jos Mourinho and gestures after scoring against Benfica
Raphinha insists he deserves to win Ballon d’Or
On Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Thtre du Chtelet in Paris, Dembre won his first Ballon d’Or after being the driving force behind PSG’s first UEFA Champions League victory and domestic double (Ligue 1 and Coupe de France).
The 28-year-old Frenchman finished the 2024/25 season with 37 goals and 15 assists and was chosen over Lamine Yamal and PSG teammate Vicinha. But Rafinha believes he deserves to win.
The Brazilian forward finished fifth behind Mohamed Salah in the Ballon d’Or rankings, but his season wasn’t bad at all. He was a key element of Barcelona’s attack alongside Lamine, scoring 34 goals and providing 22 assists in 57 appearances, but recently revealed his dissatisfaction with this decision in an interview with Sofascore provided by Isabella Pagliari.
“I would put myself first… I understand that individual awards are not based on a single competition. On that basis, I think I deserve first place for what I achieved during the season, the titles I won, the numbers I achieved and everything I contributed on the pitch. I think I deserve to win,” he said frankly.
However, despite his position, he was aware that his teammates’ performances were not bad, praising Demble and Lamine Yamal, who also had a great season.
The 29-year-old joined Barcelona in July 2022 and has since won several titles with the team. In the 2024/25 season, Rafinha scored 34 goals and provided 22 assists in 57 games, helping the club to win the domestic treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa. He also led his team to the semi-finals of the Champions League, where he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer (13 goals) and assist provider (7 goals). For this reason, the final result surprised not only Rafinha but several fans.
Meanwhile, one of the reasons for Rafinha’s success this year and last was his coach Hansi Flick, praising him: “He is the one who gave me virtually the best season of my career. He gave me confidence when I thought no one else, not even myself, would have.”
Meanwhile, Barcelona are coming off a magical Champions League night. Hansi Flick’s side secured their place in the top eight thanks to a strong second half, as they came back from 1-0 down at half-time against Copenhagen. Thanks to Rafinha’s penalty kick and goals from Yamal, Lewandowski and Rashford, the Azulgrana team won 4-1 and celebrated at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Barcelona’s upcoming matches:
Saturday 31st January – Elche CF vs Barcelona – LaLigaTuesday 3rd February – Albacete vs Barcelona – Copa del ReySaturday 7th February – Barcelona vs RCD Mallorca – LaLiga
