Raphinha Names Top Ballon d’Or Contenders, Tips Yamal and Rodrygo as Underrated Stars

Barcelona winger Raphinha has shared his thoughts on who deserves to be in the running for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, tipping six standout players who have lit up the football season.

In a recent interview, the Brazilian international praised players who have not only put up solid stats but have also influenced games consistently for club and country. According to him, the leading contenders are:

• Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

• Pedri (Barcelona)

• Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)

• Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)

• Rodrygo (Real Madrid)

Raphinha highlighted the consistency of Vinicius Jr., even if his numbers have dipped slightly this season, and called for more recognition for Pedri and Rodrygo, whom he described as underrated talents who deserve serious Ballon d’Or consideration.

“Lamine, Salah, Mbappé… Vinicius’ numbers may be lower than last season, but for me he’s always there. Two underrated players who could have been included in the awards or at least considered are Pedri and Rodrygo,” Raphinha told Barça Universal.

Interestingly, Raphinha left himself out of the list, despite having a stellar season. The 28-year-old winger has bagged 31 goals and 25 assists in 52 appearances for Barcelona, winning both the Supercopa de España and Copa del Rey.

💬 Opinion: A Refreshing and Humble Take from Raphinha

In an era where self-promotion often overshadows humility, Raphinha’s omission of himself from the list of top contenders for the Ballon d’Or is both classy and rare. With his incredible stats and key role in Barcelona’s double domestic success, he’s undeniably in the conversation.

His praise for Lamine Yamal is especially significant—at just 16, Yamal’s maturity and impact suggest he could become a historic player. Rodrygo and Pedri, often operating in the shadows of bigger names, also deserve the spotlight.

If anything, Raphinha’s list reflects a shifting era in football—from Messi-Ronaldo dominance to a new generation of global stars ready to shape the next decade.

🏆 Who do you think will claim the Ballon d’Or in 2025? Is it time for a new name to break through?