Raphinha expresses gratitude for his Ballon d’Or nomination, calling it a ‘victory’ regardless of the outcome. He highlights his impressive 2024-25 season with Barcelona, contributing significantly to their treble-winning campaign. Despite his achievements, Raphinha remains focused on self-improvement and emphasizes the importance of continuous growth. He is already off to a good start in the current LaLiga season, scoring in Barcelona’s opening match.
Barcelona's Brazilian winger, Raphinha, has expressed his gratitude and humility following his nomination for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award. While acknowledging the immense competition and downplaying his chances of actually winning the coveted trophy, Raphinha emphasized that merely being recognized among the world's top 30 players is a significant achievement and a 'victory' in itself.
The announcement of Raphinha's nomination came in August, placing him alongside three of his Barcelona teammates: the young sensation Lamine Yamal, veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, and midfield maestro Pedri. The winner of the Ballon d'Or will be revealed in a glamorous ceremony in Paris on September 22nd, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event.
Raphinha's nomination is largely attributed to his outstanding performances during the 2024-25 season, where he played a pivotal role in Barcelona's triumphant campaign. The Catalan giants secured a remarkable treble, clinching the LaLiga title, the Supercopa de Espana, and the Copa del Rey. Raphinha's contributions were crucial to the team's success, showcasing his talent and versatility on the field.
His statistical achievements further highlight his impact. Across Europe's top five leagues, Raphinha recorded an impressive 56 goal involvements, second only to Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (57), who is also a Ballon d'Or contender. This demonstrates Raphinha's ability to both score and assist goals, making him a constant threat to opposition defenses.
Raphinha's stellar form extended to the Champions League, where he equaled Cristiano Ronaldo's 2013-14 record of 21 goal contributions in a single season. Furthermore, he surpassed many Barcelona legends by scoring 13 goals in a single campaign, trailing only Lionel Messi's remarkable 14 goals in the 2011-12 season. These numbers underscore Raphinha's importance to Barcelona's attacking prowess.
Domestically, Raphinha excelled in LaLiga, netting 18 goals and providing nine assists. His overall tally for the season reached 34 goals, second only to teammate Robert Lewandowski (42). These figures showcase Raphinha's consistency and effectiveness in front of goal, solidifying his status as one of Barcelona's key players.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Raphinha remained grounded when questioned about his Ballon d'Or aspirations. “I think I will do my best to be better than I was,” he stated, reflecting his continuous pursuit of improvement.
He further emphasized the significance of his nomination, saying, “With everything I’ve been through in my career, being at the ceremony is already a victory for me. One of the biggest in my professional life. It’s not really a goal that I set for myself.”
Raphinha's perspective highlights the challenges and obstacles he has overcome throughout his career. His journey to the pinnacle of football has been filled with hard work, dedication, and resilience. Therefore, being recognized among the world's best players is a testament to his perseverance and a validation of his talent.
“My goal is to be better than I was yesterday, to be better than I was last season. So, if I’m at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, that’s already a victory for me,” Raphinha concluded. His words reflect his unwavering focus on self-improvement and his commitment to continuous growth.
Raphinha has already started the current LaLiga season on a positive note, scoring the opening goal in Barcelona's 3-0 victory over Mallorca in their first match. This early success indicates his determination to build upon his previous achievements and contribute to Barcelona's continued success. Raphinha's humility, coupled with his undeniable talent, makes him a player to watch in the upcoming season.