Could Raphinha become first Brazilian since Kaka to win the Ballon d'Or?

The former Leeds United star is now getting Ballon d’Or shoutouts.

What Raphinha is doing this season certainly merits the player at least a consideration for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. He has been on a mission to break every record and lead Barcelona to every trophy possible.

After a £55 million move from Leeds United in 2022, the Brazilian forward had two disappointing seasons before entering this one.

Leading the Blaugrana to the Copa del Rey final and four points ahead of Real Madrid in LaLiga, the 28-year-old has kept Barcelona’s hopes of winning a treble this season alive.

With a 4-0 thumping of Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their last-eight match on Wednesday, they are now one step closer to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

But can Raphina also add the most coveted individual prize which many football stars crave the most? Well, he has been consistent with his performance, and no player other than him deserves the Ballon d’Or more this year.

Last year, it could have been his compatriot Vinicius Jr, but he lost to Manchester City star Rodri for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Now Raphinha has the chance to finally become the first Brazilian after Kaka to lift the prize.

▪️ UCL top scorer (12)▪️ UCL most assists (7)▪️ 50 G/A No stopping Raphinha this season 🌟 pic.twitter.com/nJkMpRhU3m

— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 9, 2025

Will Raphinha become the first Brazilian after Kaka to win the Ballon d’Or?

Raphinha’s voyage from Porto Alegre to the Barcelona locker room is a tale of perseverance, self-control, and never-ending self-development. It takes more than talent to become a top-tier performer. It all comes down to attitude, selflessness, and a resolute will to succeed.

At first, he had trouble playing for a top team like Barcelona.

Even after he began to establish himself as a regular in the lineup, coach Xavi viewed him more as a member of the squad than an absolute starter. Under him, the Brazilian seldom ever played the entire game.

Raphinha only started 42 of the team’s 76 games during his last two seasons, and he was used off the bench 11 times. He started to lose faith and felt he was not good enough for the club, which led him to consider leaving the team last season.

The player himself revealed that he came close to leaving Barcelona because he lost all his confidence. But the arrival of Hansi Flick changed everything for the player.

Raphinha was given more responsibility and the freedom to play confidently by the German coach. He has totally been revived as a player.

Flick pushed on the value of making better choices, understanding when to pass and when to dribble. The German coach’s more straightforward approach worked for Raphinha.

Raphinha is leading both the goals 𝑨𝑵𝑫 assists charts this UCL season 🤯 pic.twitter.com/1eKpRakQWY

— 433 (@433) April 9, 2025

The player is now more effective and calm in front of the goal these days, and he rarely loses the ball. His right to be regarded as one of the best players in the world should not be contested.

With 28 goals and 22 assists across all competitions, Raphinha is having by far his greatest season to date. If he continues with this form until the end of the season, then we can see him lift the Ballon d’Or this year.

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