The director of Barcelona Hansi Flick threw his support behind Raphinha as a serious candidate for the famous Ballon d’Or or award this year.
The Brazilian front was in stellar form this season, making a strong case for individual recognition alongside Mohamed Salah, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.
Raphinha, 28, was a key number in the Barcelona campaign, providing 22 goals and 11 assists in just 35 appearances so far in 2024-25.
His impressive performances promoted the Catalan club at the top of La Liga, while enhancing their ambitions in the Champions League under the movie.
Before the crucial round of the Barcelona Champions League with a 16 -foot conflict against Benfica, Flick was asked about Raphinha’s chances of claiming the Ballon d’Or.
“Raphinha for Ballon d’Or? He is a candidate, yes. Of course, if he is doing well this season he could have a chance, “he said.
“It always helps us a lot, and if you see the goals it has scored. It shows you how hungry it is. You see it. It is good to see how focused it is. I am happy with its level.”
Barcelona presented their strength in a recent 1-0 win over Benfica despite playing much of the match with ten men.
True in his form, Raphinha gave the crucial goal, proving once again his value to the team.
Flick added: “They have a great team. Bruno Lage does a great job and you can see his philosophy on the pitch. The best is to be 100% focused and not thinking about the first leg. Normally they always push up high.”
“They do it very well, they have won many games away. We have to focus on it. It’s all about positioning, good possession helps us very much in both attack and defense. That’s what we want to do.”
Before moving to Barcelona to a £ 55m agreement, Raphinha was largely linked to the Premier League clubs, especially Chelsea and Arsenal. Chelsea even reached an agreement with Leeds United, but the wing chose a transfer to Spain instead.
Last summer, speculation emerged for a possible return to England, with Manchester United interested in acquiring his services.
However, he remained in Barcelona, ​​where he continues to thrive and make a strong case for one of the most famous individual football prices.
