Raphinha Reveals Who Should Win Ballon d’Or Between Himself and Yamal

Barcelona star Raphinha has revealed who he thinks deserves to win the Ballon d'Or more, him or teammate Lamine Yamal.

During the annual ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, the the winner of the 2025 Ballon d'Or award will be announced on Monday night.

Many of the biggest names in football are expected to be in attendance at the ceremony as they await the announcement of which of their fellow players has been named the best in the world.

Among the favourites to win the award this year is Spain's superstar Yamal and teammate Raphinha after the pair both enjoyed standout seasons for La Liga champions Barcelona.

And just minutes before the winner of the 2025 Ballon d'Or is announced, Raphinha has had his say on who deserves the award the most, him or Yamal.

Raphinha is among the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or this year. (Image: Getty)

As it stands Yamal is the second favourite to win the Ballon d'Or this year, with Paris Saint-Germain talisman Ousmane Dembele currently the most likely winner.

Meanwhile Raphinha is currently fifth in the odds, behind PSG's Vitinha and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.

But while speaking to CBS Sports on the red carpet, the Barcelona winger claimed that he believes both he and Yamal deserve to win it this year, saying he'll be happy either way.

He said: "In my opinion we both deserve it a lot, we’d be very happy that the Ballon d’Or goes to Barcelona.

"I know if I win, Lamine is going to be very happy, and if Lamine wins, I'm going to be very happy.

"He deserves it a lot because of the season he put together, for the things he does on the pitch and the brilliance in his eyes. But I don't know anything, there's rumours but I don't know."

Under new manager Hansi Flick, Barcelona won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup this season.

Lamine Yamal and Raphinha both enjoyed spectacular seasons with Barcelona in 2024/25. (Image: Xavi Bonilla/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Across the whole season, both Raphinha and Yamal played a key role, with the Brazilian scoring 34 goals and assisting 25 in 57 appearances, while the Spaniard scored 18 and assisted 15 across 55 appearances.

When asked how he would react if he were to be named the winner, Raphinha replied: "We need to be very prepared. I'll be very happy if I win, but just being here is a victory, having this moment with my family and my son.

"Friends of mine fighting for the Ballon d'Or is vert special and I'll enjoy this special moment"