I have no idea how he didn’t win

Diego Simeone, the manager of Atletico Madrid, recently praised Barcelona star Raphinha for his outstanding performance in a match against his team. The Brazilian winger showcased his talent and skill on the field, leading to Simeone’s belief that Raphinha should have been the winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

The game took place at Spotify Camp Nou on December 2nd, where Barcelona hosted Atletico Madrid in a LaLiga showdown. Despite Atletico taking an early lead through Alex Baena, Raphinha equalized for Barcelona just seven minutes later. The hosts eventually secured a 3-1 victory with goals from Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres.

Raphinha, who started on the left wing for Barcelona, had a stellar performance, completing 18 out of 22 passes and making three key passes. He also attempted four shots, completed two successful dribbles, and won four out of five duels according to SofaScore statistics. Simeone was full of praise for the versatile 28-year-old, stating that Raphinha’s ability to play in multiple positions makes him a standout player deserving of the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

Despite Raphinha’s impressive record of 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 games for Barcelona last season, he finished fifth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings. The award was ultimately claimed by Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain, leaving Raphinha feeling disappointed at the snub.

In a pre-match press conference before a Champions League fixture against Chelsea, Raphinha expressed his frustration at being overlooked for individual awards, especially the Ballon d’Or. He believed that his exceptional performances and contributions to Barcelona’s success warranted greater recognition.

Despite the setback, Raphinha remains focused on improving his game and continuing to deliver for Barcelona. In the current season, he has already made a significant impact with four goals and three assists in 11 appearances across competitions. Barcelona currently leads the LaLiga standings, with Raphinha playing a key role in their success.

As Raphinha continues to shine on the pitch, his talent and versatility make him a standout player in the world of football. With the support and recognition of his coach, teammates, and fans, Raphinha’s quest for individual accolades like the Ballon d’Or remains a motivating factor in his career.