Exclusive: Raphinha Names His Top Five Ballon D'Or Contenders

James

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Post on May 11, 2025

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Exclusive: Raphinha Names His Top Five Ballon d'Or Contenders

The Barcelona winger reveals his picks for football's most prestigious individual award, sparking debate among fans and pundits alike.

The Ballon d'Or. Just the name conjures images of footballing greatness, legendary performances, and the culmination of a year's worth of breathtaking skill. This year's race is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested in recent memory, and who better to offer insight than one of the game's rising stars, FC Barcelona's Raphinha? In an exclusive interview, the Brazilian winger shared his top five contenders for the coveted award.

His choices are sure to ignite discussions across the footballing world, challenging some of the more widely predicted favorites. Let's dive into Raphinha's insightful predictions and analyze their merit:

Raphinha's Top Five Ballon d'Or Contenders:

1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF): "Messi," Raphinha stated unequivocally, "is a legend. His impact, even in a new league, is undeniable. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level, year after year, is simply remarkable." Messi's recent MLS success, coupled with his World Cup victory, firmly places him in contention. His remarkable longevity and continuous adaptation to different leagues are key arguments in his favor.

2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Haaland's record-breaking Premier League season is impossible to ignore. "Haaland's goalscoring prowess is unparalleled," Raphinha commented. "The sheer number of goals he scored is astonishing. He's a force of nature." Haaland's incredible goal tally, coupled with Manchester City's treble win, makes him a very strong contender. However, some argue that his team's success overshadows his individual brilliance.

3. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain): The French superstar remains a constant threat, despite his club's inconsistencies. "Mbappé's pace, skill, and finishing ability are world-class," Raphinha observed. "He’s a game-changer, and consistently delivers on the biggest stage." Despite not winning a major trophy this past season, Mbappé's individual brilliance and consistent goal contributions keep him in the Ballon d'Or conversation.

4. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City): The orchestrator of Manchester City's midfield, De Bruyne's influence is undeniable. "De Bruyne is the ultimate playmaker," Raphinha explained. "His vision, passing, and ability to control the tempo of a game are unmatched. He's the heartbeat of a phenomenal team." De Bruyne's consistent performances and pivotal role in City's treble triumph make him a serious contender.

5. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): The young English midfielder is a rising star who's already making waves at Real Madrid. "Bellingham is exceptional," Raphinha remarked. "He's got everything – maturity beyond his years, incredible skill, and a winning mentality. He's one to watch for years to come." Bellingham's immediate impact at Real Madrid and his overall game are earning him significant attention from the Ballon d'Or voters.

The Debate Continues:

Raphinha's choices have sparked much debate, with many questioning the omission of players like Vinicius Jr. and others who had stellar seasons. Ultimately, the Ballon d'Or is a subjective award, and Raphinha's insights offer a compelling perspective from a fellow elite player. The race remains wide open, and only time will tell who will emerge victorious. Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments below!

Keywords: Ballon d'Or, Raphinha, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Kevin De Bruyne, Jude Bellingham, FC Barcelona, football awards, football news, soccer news, best footballers.