From Leeds to Ballon d’Or Favorite: Raphinha’s Stellar Season and Brazil’s Hopes
FC Barcelona completed a 2-1 second-half comeback over Valladolid after conceding in the first ten minutes on Saturday. Thanks to Raphinha scoring the opener and Fermin Lopez putting the Blaugranas ahead at the hour mark, Hansi Flick completer his 25th victory in La Liga this season. They will put the pressure back on Real Madrid as they face Celta Vigo on Sunday.
Raphinha scored his 16th goal of the season making his tally 25 G/A in the Spanish League. The Brazilian has also had a significant impact on the European stages scoring 12 goals as they head to the final four. As things stand, Raphinha is heading towards a decorated season which could help his Ballon d’Or 2025
Raphinha is the leading scorer for FC Barcelona in the UCL and their highest goal contributor (53) as well. Coming over in 2023 from Leeds United, the 28-year-old is currently the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or 2025.
Here is how Raphinha has performed for FC Barcelona in the 2024/25 season:
| Competition | Goals | Assists | G+A |
| La Liga | 16 | 9 | 24 |
| Champions League5 | 12 | 8 | 20 |
| Copa del Rey | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Supercopa | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Total | 31 | 22 | 53 |
Depending on Barcelona’s season commenced, the odds could turn anyway. However, currently with Flick’s side competing for the treble and Raphinha’s consistency, the Spanish side could see Raphinha lift the Ballon d’Or becoming the first Brazilian to do so since Kaká in 2007.
ALSO READ: 2025 Ballon d’Or Odds: Who’s Leading the Race To Win 2025 Ballon d’Or?
Barcelona winger Raphinha will be chased by his fellow teammate Lamine Yamal who is having a unique season himself. After the Euro 2024 triumph with Spain, the 17-year-old has been a usual contributor to FC Barcelona’s success this season. Moreover, former Barcelona and current PSG player Ousmane Dembele is reported to be not much behind either.
Starting his career at Vitoria FC in 2016, Raphinha made his big move to Sporting in 2018. Standing out in his career at Leeds United in the Premier League, Raphinha made a $61 million move to FC Barcelona. It would be safe to say that Flick and his side would feel like every penny worth spent reflecting on Raphinha’s impact on the Spanish side.
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