With just months left until the football world crowns its next king, one name is now echoing louder than ever: Raphinha. The Brazilian winger has been on fire this season, making a strong case for winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or 2025 an honor traditionally dominated by legends like Messi, Ronaldo, and most recently, Mbappé.
While many fans and pundits began the season focused on big names like Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham, it is Raphinha's electrifying form that has caught the world's attention. His consistent performances for FC Barcelona across domestic and European competitions have transformed him into a serious contender for the biggest individual prize in football.
 |
| Raphinha’s Rise |
⚡ A Season to Remember
In the 2024–25 season, Raphinha has already recorded:
-
28 goals in all competitions
-
22 assists
-
A Champions League top scorer spot (as of April 2025)
-
8 Player of the Match awards in La Liga
What sets him apart this year isn’t just the stats, but the style. He’s combining technical brilliance, blistering speed, and improved decision-making under pressure. His goals are often spectacular, but his unselfish play has also made him a team favorite.
“I’m just doing my job and enjoying my football,” Raphinha told BarçaTV after scoring a brace against Atlético Madrid. “If I win an award, that’s a bonus. The main thing is helping my team win trophies.”
🧠 A Tactical Shift That Changed Everything
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández has played a pivotal role in unlocking Raphinha's full potential. By giving him more freedom in a fluid front three and shifting playmaking duties partially to midfielders like Gavi and Pedri, Raphinha now spends more time in dangerous areas.
His understanding with striker Robert Lewandowski has also flourished, leading to dozens of one-two combinations that have terrorized defenses across Europe.
🌍 International Brilliance Boosts Ballon d'Or Hopes
Beyond club success, Raphinha has also been shining for Brazil’s national team. During the 2025 Copa América qualifiers, he scored 5 goals and assisted 3 more in just 6 matches, helping Brazil secure early qualification.
This combination of club and international form has traditionally been key for Ballon d'Or voters, and Raphinha seems to be ticking all the boxes.
👥 The Main Competition
The race is far from over. Several stars are also in the spotlight:
-
Kylian Mbappé – Still brilliant for PSG, but his Champions League form has been inconsistent.
-
Mohamed Salah – Started strong, but Liverpool’s mid-season slump may hurt his chances.
-
Ousmane Dembélé – PSG’s standout playmaker, but lacks the consistent stats Raphinha boasts.
-
Vinícius Jr. – Another top Brazilian talent, but overshadowed by Real Madrid’s midfield in big games.
So far, Raphinha’s blend of goal-scoring, assists, and match-winning moments gives him a noticeable edge.
📰 What the Experts Say
Football analysts across Europe are now including Raphinha in their top three picks for Ballon d’Or 2025. Many claim he brings back the flair and excitement often missing from modern positional football.
“He plays with the freedom of Ronaldinho and the discipline of a modern winger,” said Spanish football journalist Marcos Romero. “That’s a rare combination.”
Social media buzz is also growing, with hashtags like #RaphinhaForBallonDor trending on Twitter and TikTok clips of his goals going viral weekly.
🎯 Final Verdict: Can He Win?
If Raphinha can continue his form into the final stages of the Champions League and Copa del Rey, and if Barcelona lifts one or both trophies, there’s a strong chance we’ll see him on top of the podium in Paris this October.