Ballon D'Or 2024: Raphinha Reveals His Top Five Picks

James

3 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

4.4

Share

Ballon d'Or 2024: Raphinha Reveals His Top Five Picks – A Bold Prediction?

The Ballon d'Or, football's most prestigious individual award, is always a hot topic of discussion, sparking debates and predictions months before the ceremony. This year is no different, and adding fuel to the fire is Barcelona winger Raphinha, who recently unveiled his top five contenders for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. His choices are surprising some, highlighting the intense competition expected in the upcoming year.

Raphinha, known for his electrifying performances and flamboyant style, didn't shy away from expressing his opinions, providing a fascinating insight into his perspective on the current football landscape. His selections offer a compelling alternative narrative to the usual frontrunners, suggesting a potential shift in the power dynamics of world football.

Raphinha's Top 5 Ballon d'Or 2024 Predictions:

While the official shortlist remains a mystery, Raphinha's bold predictions offer a tantalizing glimpse into the potential contenders. He stated (in a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo), his top five are:

1. Erling Haaland: Unsurprisingly, the Manchester City striker features prominently. Haaland's record-breaking goal-scoring feats in the Premier League and Champions League make him a strong contender for the coveted award. His prolific nature and contribution to City's success solidify his position as a top favorite.

2. Kylian Mbappé: The Paris Saint-Germain superstar and global icon continues to mesmerize with his pace, skill, and decisive moments. Despite PSG's recent Champions League disappointments, Mbappé's individual brilliance remains undeniable and places him firmly in the Ballon d'Or conversation.

3. Lionel Messi: Even after his historic World Cup win, Messi's continued excellence in the MLS with Inter Miami has kept him in contention. His legacy as one of the greatest ever is secure, but a potential Ballon d'Or win in a new league would be a remarkable achievement.

4. Vinícius Júnior: The Real Madrid winger's explosive performances have catapulted him into the elite bracket. His dazzling dribbling skills, crucial goals, and overall contribution to Real Madrid's success have earned him a spot on Raphinha's list. He represents the exciting new generation of Brazilian talent.

5. Jude Bellingham: This is perhaps the most surprising inclusion on Raphinha's list. The young Real Madrid midfielder has shown maturity and talent beyond his years, quickly becoming a key figure for his club and a potential leader for England. Bellingham's inclusion highlights the potential for a changing of the guard in the world of football.

Analyzing Raphinha's Picks and the Wider Implications:

Raphinha's choices demonstrate a keen awareness of both established stars and emerging talents. The inclusion of Bellingham, in particular, suggests a recognition of the evolving dynamics within the sport, with younger players making significant impacts.

The absence of players like Kevin De Bruyne, despite his consistent excellence, is noteworthy and sparks further debate. This highlights the subjective nature of the award and the diverse criteria used in evaluating players.

Looking Ahead:

The Ballon d'Or 2024 promises to be a fiercely contested event. While Raphinha's predictions offer a compelling perspective, the final outcome remains uncertain. The remainder of the season will be crucial in shaping the narrative and determining the ultimate winner. Who do you think will win the Ballon d'Or 2024? Let us know in the comments below!

(Keywords: Ballon d'Or 2024, Raphinha, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, football awards, soccer awards, predictions, top 5, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami)