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Raphinha’s Ballon d’Or Snub Sparks Brazilian debate: Was Fifth Place a Travesty?
September 23, 2025
the echoes of last year’s Vinicius Jr. controversy are still fresh, and once again, a Brazilian star’s standing in the prestigious Ballon d’Or is igniting passionate debate. This time, its Neymar Jr. who’s voicing his strong disagreement,believing his compatriot raphinha was severely underrated,finishing a mere fifth in the latest rankings.
Neymar, a global icon himself, didn’t hold back on social media, directly commenting on a post showcasing the top 10 of the award ceremony held in Paris. Raphinha fifth, it’s really anything,
the veteran striker declared, expressing his disbelief at the ranking.The award itself went to Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain, a club where Neymar previously starred from 2017 to 2023.
Raphinha’s Stellar Season Undervalued?
The numbers behind Raphinha’s 2024-25 season with FC Barcelona paint a compelling picture. He notched an notable 34 goals and provided 25 assists in 57 appearances. for context, that’s a direct contribution to a goal every 0.99 games – a rate that rivals many of the game’s elite forwards. Yet, he found himself behind several players, including his own Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal, who finished as runner-up to Dembélé. Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha secured third place, with Liverpool’s Mohamed salah rounding out the top four.
This situation draws parallels to last year’s Ballon d’Or, where a meaningful outcry in Brazil questioned Rodri’s win over Vinicius Jr., who was instrumental in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph during the 2023-24 campaign. The passion of Brazilian football fans is undeniable, and they clearly feel their nation’s talent is being overlooked on the global stage.
The Last Brazilian King of the Ballon d’Or
It’s a stark reminder that Kaka,crowned in 2007,remains the last Brazilian to lift the coveted Ballon d’Or trophy. For a nation synonymous with producing footballing royalty, this drought is a point of national concern and fuels the ongoing discussions about individual accolades.
Neymar’s outspokenness highlights a broader sentiment: when does individual brilliance, especially from a nation with such a rich footballing heritage, warrant higher recognition? Is the Ballon d’Or truly capturing the essence of a player’s impact, or are other factors – team success, club prestige, or even marketability – playing too significant a role?
What’s Next for Brazilian Stars?
As Raphinha continues his impressive run at Barcelona, the question remains: can he, or another Brazilian talent, break this Ballon d’Or drought in the coming years? The performance of players like Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha suggests that the talent pool is deep. For American fans who appreciate electrifying wing play and creative attacking flair – think of the impact players like Christian Pulisic have had on the USMNT – the debate over Raphinha’s ranking offers a engaging glimpse into the global footballing landscape and the intense scrutiny faced by its brightest stars.
