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Diego Simeone has claimed that Barcelona star Raphinha should have won the 2025 Ballon d'Or. This comes after the Brazilian's excellent performance against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
The Blaugrana hosted Atletico Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on December 2 in LaLiga. The visitors took the lead in the 19th minute via Alex Baena. Raphinha, however, equalized seven minutes later. Dani Olmo (65') and Ferran Torres (90+7') then completed a 3-1 win for the hosts.
Raphinha started on the left wing for Barcelona and completed 18/22 passes, making three key passes. He attempted four shots, completed 2/2 dribbles, and won 4/5 duels (via SofaScore). After the game, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone heaped praise on the 28-year-old star, saying (h/t Barca Blaugranes):
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"”Raphinha is an incredible player. He can play everywhere. As a winger, as a midfielder, as a striker, or even as a wing back. I have no idea how he didn't win the Ballon d'Or this year. Everyone chooses who they want, but I choose him."
Raphinha scored 34 goals and provided 26 assists in 57 games across competitions for Barcelona last season as they won the domestic treble. However, he finished fifth in the 2025 Ballon d'Or rankings. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Ousmane Dembele won it while Lamine Yamal, Vitinha, and Mohamed Salah finished from second to fourth, respectively.
Barcelona star Raphinha recently expressed his disappointment at Ballon d'Or 2025 snub
Barcelona faced Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the UEFA Champions League on November 25. In the pre-match press conference, Raphinha spoke about being snubbed for individual awards last season, especially the Ballon d'Or, claiming he deserved more for his performances.
The Brazilian attacker said (h/t Football Espana):
“I deserved much more. I felt undervalued, yes. As a team, I missed out on the Champions League. I don’t control individual awards. I had a spectacular season, and for me, that’s enough. Other people vote. You’re the ones who need to explain things to me. I’m just focused on improving my game, that’s all.”
Raphinha recorded his career-best goal contributions last season, helping Barca win LaLiga, Supercopa de España, and Copa del Rey. They also reached the Champions League semi-finals, but lost 7-6 on aggregate against Inter Milan.
Meanwhile, Raphinha has had a good start to the 2025-26 campaign despite his injury issues. He's made 11 appearances across competitions, recording four goals and three assists, as Barcelona sit atop the LaLiga standings.
