Barcelona manager Hansi Flick supported Raphinha as a serious competitor for the prestigious Ballon d’Or this year.
The Brazilian striker was in a stellar fit this season, making a strong argument for individual recognition alongside Mohamed Salah, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.
Raphinha, 28, was a key figure in the Barcelona campaign, delivering 22 goals and 11 assists in just 35 appearances so far in 2024-25.
Its impressive performances propelled the Catalan club at the top of the Liga while increasing their aspirations in the Champions League under Flick.
Before the crucial round of the 16 -row 16 -row champions league of Barcelona against Benfica, Flick was asked about Raphinha’s chances of claiming the Ballon d’Or.
“Raphinha for the Ballon d’Or?” He is a candidate, yes. Of course, if he is doing well this season, he could have a chance, “he said.
“He always helps us a lot, and if you see the goals he has marked, it shows you how hungry he is. You see it, it is good to see how concentrated it is. I am happy with his level.
Barcelona presented their strength in the recent 1-0 victory against Benfica despite a large part of the match with ten men.
True to its form, Raphinha delivered the crucial objective, proving its value to the team once again.
Flick added: “They have an excellent team. Bruno Lage does a great job and you can see his philosophy on the ground. The best thing is that we are 100% and does not think about the first step. Normally, they always support high.
“They do it very well, they have won a lot of games outside. We have to focus on this. It is a question of positioning, a good possession helps us a lot both in attack and in defense. This is what we want to do.
Before his move to Barcelona in a contract of 55 million pounds Sterling, Raphinha was strongly linked to the Premier League clubs, in particular Chelsea and Arsenal. Chelsea even concluded an agreement with Leeds United, but the winger opted rather for a transfer to Spain.
Last summer, speculation presented themselves on a potential return to England, Manchester United would have been interested in acquiring its services.
However, he stayed in Barcelona, where he continues to thrive and plead in question for one of the most prestigious individual honors in football.
