Barcelona Star Raphinha Rated as ‘Ballon d’Or Contender’ by National Team Coach

Raphinha has been making waves in European football with an extraordinary season at Barcelona, leading to praise from his national team coach, Dorival Junior.

The Brazilian winger, who was once criticized for his inconsistent performances, is now being hailed as a serious Ballon d’Or contender. His transformation under Hansi Flick has seen him elevate his game to new heights, contributing heavily to Barcelona’s success across multiple competitions.

Raphinha Enjoying the Best Campaign of His Senior Career

The 2024/25 season has been a defining one for Raphinha, as he has been performing at an elite level. His goal in Barcelona’s recent Champions League knockout victory over Benfica marked his 25th goal of the season, an impressive milestone for a player known more for his creativity than his goal-scoring ability.

In total, Raphinha has contributed to 41 goals in 40 appearances this season, nearly doubling his previous career-best tally of 21 goal contributions in a single season. This level of output has placed him among the elite players in world football, with his influence on Barcelona’s attacking play becoming more pronounced than ever.

Brazil national team coach Dorival Junior has taken notice of Raphinha’s outstanding form and publicly declared him as a legitimate Ballon d’Or contender. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Brazil’s international fixtures in March, Dorival said:

“Raphinha is a Ballon d’Or contender.”

This statement reflects just how highly Raphinha is now regarded in the football world.

Raphinha’s Redemption Arc: From Copa America Criticism to Barcelona Stardom

While Raphinha is now being celebrated, his journey to this point has not been smooth. Just a year ago, during the 2024 Copa America, he faced significant backlash for his performances with the Brazil national team. As Brazil struggled and were eliminated by Uruguay in the quarter-finals, Raphinha became a scapegoat for the team’s failure.

At the same time, Barcelona was reportedly open to selling the winger during the summer transfer window, as he had struggled to justify his place in the squad. Fans were divided on whether he should stay or go, and Raphinha himself reportedly considered leaving Catalonia in search of a fresh start elsewhere.

However, the arrival of Hansi Flick changed everything. The German coach saw potential in Raphinha that others had overlooked and convinced him to stay at Barcelona. Flick’s tactical adjustments, particularly positioning Raphinha on the left flank rather than his usual right-wing role, gave the Brazilian more freedom to influence the game in different areas of the pitch.

This newfound role allowed Raphinha to roam across the final third, making him a more unpredictable and dangerous attacking threat. His ability to cut inside, create goal-scoring opportunities, and even contribute defensively has transformed him into a complete player under Flick’s guidance.

Barcelona Star Raphinha: A True Ballon d’Or Contender?

The numbers alone make a strong case for Raphinha as a Ballon d’Or contender. With 25 goals and 16 assists so far this season, his contributions have been instrumental in Barcelona’s push for domestic and European glory. If he maintains this level of performance and helps Barcelona secure major trophies, he could very well be in the conversation for the most prestigious individual award in football.

While Dorival Junior is among the most vocal supporters of Raphinha, he is not the only coach to recognize the winger’s brilliance. Ahead of Barcelona’s upcoming La Liga clash against Osasuna, their head coach Vicente Moreno also praised the Brazilian, stating:

“Raphinha is underrated. I see him as one of the best in the world, if not the best, with more influence in offensive and defensive play, in team and individual work.”

Such endorsements from respected managers only further validate Raphinha’s claim as one of the top players in world football today.

The Future of Raphinha at Barcelona

With Raphinha thriving under Hansi Flick, it seems likely that Barcelona will make every effort to keep him at the club for the foreseeable future. His performances this season have solidified his status as a key player, and if he continues on this trajectory, he could establish himself as one of Barcelona’s all-time great wingers.

As discussions about the Ballon d’Or intensify, Raphinha’s name is likely to come up more frequently if he maintains his incredible form. The coming months will be crucial, as Barcelona competes for La Liga, the Champions League, and other silverware. If Raphinha plays a decisive role in these competitions, his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or will only increase.

For now, one thing is clear: Raphinha is no longer just a talented winger; he is a world-class footballer who is finally getting the recognition he deserves.