Raphinha is not obsessed with the Ballon d'Or and focuses on succeeding with Barcelona

Raphinha is having a sublime season with FC Barcelona. And how not to highlight it? The left winger has 34 goals and 25 assists in 54 matches, numbers that show an exceptional performance and position him as one of the most decisive players in the Barça team. Without a doubt, it is his best season since arriving in Europe and the most outstanding of his professional career.

This great level has caused his name to start sounding like a possible candidate for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, an award that, however, does not occupy his mind.

Raphinha: "The Ballon d'Or comes later, if it has to come"

In statements collected by 'Barça Universal', the forward born in Porto Alegre was asked about the option of winning the highest individual award given annually by 'France Football'. True to his humble style, 'Rapha' replied without hesitation: "I don't think about the Ballon d'Or, I haven't considered it. If I win it, it will be thanks to the work for the club and for my country. My goal is to win titles with the team. Individual awards come later, and if not, nothing happens."

"I don't think about the Ballon d'Or, I haven't considered it"

Hansi Flick's support: key to his performance

In the same dialogue, the '11' praised the work of Hansi Flick, who has been key in his decision to continue at the club. The German coach has found him a new role as a left winger, has given him leadership roles and has placed total confidence in him, even giving him the captaincy in several matches: "I stayed at Barça because of Flick. He told me that I was going to be important in his plans. He is someone who takes care of the players... His human side, his concern, his impartiality... He wants to win with confidence," he admitted.

In addition to his goals and assists, Raphinha has established himself as one of the leaders of the dressing room. Although he does not always wear the captain's armband, his teammates value his attitude and commitment on and off the field: "Being chosen captain made me very happy. It was my dream to play here, and wearing the armband made it even more special," he revealed.

Neymar and the frustrated desire to return to Barça

Likewise, Raphinha also dedicated some words to Neymar Jr., his compatriot, a benchmark in terms of great names who triumphed at Barcelona and with whom he shared moments in the 'Canarinha'. Both were close to coinciding in the culé team, but 'Ney's' return never materialized: "There was a lot of talk about Neymar's return to Barça. I told him: 'Come on, you know that the club wants you, the fans want you and everyone would love to have you back'. But in the end, it didn't depend on me or him," he explained.

The winger did not close the door to playing in Brazil in the future

Although he is completely focused on the present of FC Barcelona, Raphinha does not rule out returning to Brazil at some point in his career: "I think about playing in the Brazilian league someday," he said. However, it is clear that, for now, his mind and heart are focused on the club in the Ciudad Condal, where he seeks to continue shining and lifting titles with the blaugrana elastic.