Raphinha has criticised the voting process for the Ballon d’Or, insisting that “you have to be friendly with the people who vote” to win the award.
Despite recording 56 direct goal contributions (34 goals, 22 assists) for Barcelona in 57 appearances last season, the Brazilian winger finished fifth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele won the award, while Lamine Yamal, Vitinha and Mohamed Salah all ranked above Raphinha.
After France Football and L’Equipe decide the 30-player shortlist, one journalist from each of the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings then votes for their top 10, with points being awarded based on their position.
Raphinha helped Barcelona complete a domestic treble in the 2024-25 campaign, while they also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League before they were knocked out by Inter.
The 29-year-old did win the Toresky Award for Best Athlete of the Year, afterwards claiming that player relationships with journalists determine the outcome for individual awards.
“The truth is that recognition for your work is very special; in the end, well, knowing that you’ve given your best and receiving an award for it is very rewarding,” he told Cadena SER.
“For me, the most important thing is team awards, which is why I came to the club, but if I told you that individual awards weren’t important, I’d be lying.
“I don’t owe anything to anyone. I know the season I had, and I know it was very unfair; in the end, it’s something we can’t control.
“I have no control over anything off the field. Ultimately, you have to be friendly with the people who vote.
“I’m someone who will deliver results on the field, and whatever happens, I’m satisfied with the season I’ve had.”
Having already won the Supercopa de Espana this season, Barca are also fighting to win LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and go far in the Champions League.
Raphinha has struggled with injury problems since the start of the campaign, but will be eager to lift more silverware at the Camp Nou.
