Raphinha Prioritizes Team Success Over Individual Accolades Amidst Stellar Season at Barcelona
In the UEFA Champions League, he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with 13 goals, despite Barcelona’s semifinal exit.
Barcelona Winger Raphinha. Photo/Getty Images.
By Robert Assad
Barcelona winger Raphinha has addressed the buzz surrounding his Ballon d’Or candidacy, emphasizing that personal accolades are not his primary focus.
“Many people send me memes with the Ballon d’Or, but it does not matter to me. It’s not a goal I set for myself,” he stated. “My goal is to win titles and give my best for the team I play for.”
Despite his modesty, Raphinha’s performance this season has been nothing short of exceptional. Under the guidance of manager Hansi Flick, he has become a pivotal figure in Barcelona’s attacking lineup.
In the 2024–25 season, Raphinha has made 54 appearances across all competitions, netting 34 goals and providing 25 assists.
His contributions have been instrumental in Barcelona securing the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de España, and they are currently on the cusp of clinching the La Liga title.
Raphinha’s impact has been particularly notable in high-stakes matches. He played a decisive role in Barcelona’s victories over Real Madrid, including a crucial 4-3 win that significantly bolstered their league title aspirations.
In the UEFA Champions League, he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with 13 goals, despite Barcelona’s semifinal exit.
Beyond his on-field exploits, Raphinha has embraced a leadership role within the squad. He has been a mentor to emerging talents like Lamine Yamal, fostering a supportive environment that has contributed to the team’s cohesion and success.
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