Barça and Brazilian national team star Raphinha is considered the clear favorite to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
The former Leeds winger has been in excellent form since the start of the season under new Barça coach Hansi Flick. The German coach has so far managed to bring out the best in his player, much to the delight of Barça fans.
Given his consistent performances since the start of the season, many observers are pointing to Raphinha as the player who could lift the 2025 Ballon d’Or next October.
Fought in close competition with Mohamed Salah until early March, Liverpool’s elimination from the Champions League has significantly reduced the Egyptian’s chances.
The Brazilian international now stands alone at the top of all the polls conducted to determine the player who could lift the golden trophy.
But to get there, Raphinha will have to demonstrate a great deal of fair play off the pitch as well. Indeed, in the criteria for choosing the Ballon d’Or, fair play is also very important, aside from the player’s performance.
Raphinha’s incendiary outburst could jeopardize his chances of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or
And on this point, the Brazilian has just made an outburst that could not be to his advantage when voters choose the best player of the year.
Ahead of the South American clash between his country and Argentina for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Barça player made a very inflammatory public statement.
“We’ll beat them up on and off the pitch if necessary. Fuck them,” the player said on a TV show. These are very surprising words from a player who is expected to lead by example.
Given the fierce rivalry that exists between the two countries, Raphinha’s remarks could inflame matters, something that would normally be unbecoming of a player who aspires to win the Ballon d’Or.
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