Brazilian star Raphinha is having the best season of his career with FC Barcelona, establishing himself as one of the top players in European football. With outstanding performances in LaLiga and the Champions League, the winger has taken on a leading role in the team and does not hide his desire to compete for the Ballon d'Or.

An unexpected leader at Barcelona

At the start of the season, few expected Raphinha to become Barcelona's offensive leader, but circumstances and his determination have propelled him into a key role. With Marc-André ter Stegen and Ronald Araújo missing extended periods due to injuries, the Brazilian was given the captain's armband, and even though the Uruguayan defender has returned, the former Leeds United player has maintained his influence within the squad.

Beyond his leadership, Raphinha's numbers are remarkable: in 42 matches across all competitions, he has scored 27 goals and provided 20 assists. In the Champions League, he is both the top scorer with 11 goals and the top assist provider with five. "I'm enjoying every moment at Barcelona, it's incredible," he recently said in an interview with former footballer Romário.

The Ballon d'Or, a realistic goal

The Brazilian’s exceptional performances have put him in the Ballon d'Or conversation, competing with stars like Mohamed Salah, who is also having a spectacular season with Liverpool (32 goals and 22 assists across all competitions). Raphinha acknowledges that winning the prestigious award is a real possibility that motivates him: "It's normal for me to think about it, and if I said otherwise, I'd be lying," he admitted.

However, the Barcelona winger knows that the key to achieving this goal lies in maintaining his performance and staying focused. "If I manage to reach the targets I have set for the end of the season, I will have a great chance of winning an individual award. But I don't want to obsess over the Ballon d'Or because thinking too much about it can be a distraction. My priority is to score goals, create chances, win titles, and enjoy playing football," he explained.

Unlike Salah, Raphinha has a significant advantage: he has already won the Spanish Super Cup and is still competing for three more titles: LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. If he plays a decisive role in the final stretch of the season, he could earn crucial votes. Additionally, he follows in the footsteps of idols like Ronaldinho and Neymar, from whom he has drawn inspiration to develop his playing style.

Before returning to club action, Raphinha has one final challenge with Brazil. Tonight, he will face Argentina at the Monumental Stadium in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, a match in which he has promised to give his all. And this season, many opponents have already suffered the consequences of the Brazilian’s incredible form.