Raphinha has been exceptional this season, proving himself as one of the most influential players in European football. The Brazilian winger has delivered outstanding performances against top-tier teams, solidifying his role as a crucial player for Barcelona. His ability to step up in critical moments has not gone unnoticed, with Brazil’s head coach, Dorival Jr., suggesting that Raphinha could be a contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
This season, Raphinha has consistently excelled against the toughest opponents. His displays in El Clásico have been particularly remarkable. In the Spanish Super Cup final, he tormented Real Madrid’s defense, scoring twice to help Barcelona secure a commanding victory. It was a performance that demonstrated his composure, skill, and eagerness for big moments.
Raphinha followed that up with another strong showing against Madrid in La Liga, contributing both a goal and an assist. Against a team renowned for its defensive strength, he once again found a way to break through, proving that his impact extends beyond a single competition. His ability to perform under pressure has made him a nightmare for Madrid’s defenders.
One of his most memorable performances of the season came in the Champions League against Bayern Munich. Facing one of the toughest defensive units in Europe, Raphinha scored a stunning hat-trick, using his speed, dribbling, and finishing to dismantle the German giants. It was the kind of performance that Ballon d’Or winners are made of—dominating on the biggest stage with individual brilliance.
His impact hasn’t been limited to just a few games. Against Dortmund, he scored again, showing that his goal-scoring form is no fluke. Whether cutting inside to curl one past the goalkeeper or arriving at the right moment in the box, Raphinha has consistently proven why he’s Barcelona’s most dangerous player in crucial matches.
In the Champions League knockout rounds, he stepped up once more with a vital goal against Benfica in the Round of 16. Earlier in the group stages, he had already tormented the Portuguese side with a brace, making it clear that no defense is safe when Raphinha is on the field. His ability to perform against various styles of play showcases his versatility and footballing intelligence.
Raphinha’s creative abilities have also been on full display. In a match against Atalanta, he turned provider, assisting twice to help his teammates score. He repeated this feat against Atlético Madrid, showing that he’s not just a goal-scorer but also a gifted playmaker. His vision, passing accuracy, and decision-making in the final third have added another layer to Barcelona’s attacking play.
Under Xavi’s leadership, Raphinha has transformed into a complete forward. Once considered a secondary option behind Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembélé, he has now become one of Barcelona’s primary attacking threats. His confidence on the ball, improved tactical understanding, and relentless work ethic have elevated his game to new heights.
One of his most striking attributes is his mentality. Raphinha thrives under pressure. He’s never afraid to take on defenders, make daring runs, or attempt audacious shots. His fearless approach to big games has been a key factor in his rise this season. While some players falter under the spotlight, Raphinha embraces the challenge and consistently delivers.
His versatility has also been pivotal to his success. While he primarily plays on the right wing, Raphinha has shown that he can excel on the left, cutting inside to unleash his powerful left foot. His intelligent positioning allows him to exploit spaces left by defenders, making him a constant threat no matter where he plays.
In addition to his attacking contributions, Raphinha’s defensive work rate has been outstanding. He tracks back, presses aggressively, and disrupts opposition attacks. This level of commitment makes him invaluable to Barcelona’s tactical setup, contributing both offensively and defensively.
With his current form, it’s no surprise that Dorival Jr. believes Raphinha could be a serious contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Winning such an award requires not only technical skill but also consistency, leadership, and the ability to shine in key moments. So far, Raphinha has checked all the boxes. If he maintains this level of performance and leads Barcelona to silverware, he could very well lift the prestigious individual prize next year.
His performances have also given a boost to the Brazilian national team. With Neymar struggling with injuries and Vinícius Júnior still maturing into a leadership role, Raphinha has stepped up as a key figure for Brazil. If he can replicate his club form on the international stage, it will further strengthen his Ballon d’Or candidacy.
Barcelona fans have every reason to be excited. Raphinha’s dynamic style of play and match-winning ability have made him a fan favorite. Each time he takes to the pitch, there’s a sense of anticipation—because with Raphinha, something special always seems to happen.
Unstoppable. That’s the word that best describes Raphinha this season. If he continues at this pace, Dorival Jr.’s prediction might very well come true. The 2025 Ballon d’Or could have Raphinha’s name written all over it.
