“I have no idea how he didn't win”


Diego Simeone has confirmed it Barcelona star Raphinha should have won the Ballon d'Or 2025. This comes after the Brazilian's excellent performance against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

The Blaugrana hosted Atlético de Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou on December 2 in LaLiga. The visitors took the lead in the 19th minute with Alex Baena. Raphinha, however, equalized seven minutes later. Then Dani Olmo (65') and Ferran Torres (90+7') completed the 3-1 victory for the locals.

Raphinha started on the left side 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 praised the 28-year-old star, saying (h/t Barca Blaugranes):

“”Raphinha is an incredible player. You can play everywhere. As a winger, as a midfielder, as a striker or even as a winger. 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 all 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 second to fourth respectively.

Barcelona star Raphinha has recently expressed his disappointment with the Ballon d'Or 2025.

Barcelona faced Chelsea at Stamford Bridge UEFA Champions League on November 25. In the pre-match press conference, Raphinha spoke about being snubbed for individual awards last season, particularly the Ballon d'Or, claiming he deserved more for his performances.

The Brazilian forward said (h/t Football Spain):

“I deserved much more. I felt undervalued, yes. As a team, I missed the Champions League. I don't control the individual awards. I had a spectacular season, and for me, that's enough. The others vote. You're the ones who have to explain to me. I'm just focused on improving my game, that's all.”

Raphinha recorded his best goal contributions last season, helping Barca win LaLiga, the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey. They also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, but lost 7-6 on aggregate against Inter Milan.

Meanwhile, Raphinha has enjoyed a strong start to the 2025-26 campaign despite his injury problems. He has made 11 appearances between competitions, registering four goals and three assists as Barcelona sit top of the LaLiga table.