Barcelona winger Raphinha has seemingly taken a subtle jab at Ballon d’Or competitor Ousmane Dembélé after fans noticed his activity on social media. The Brazilian has enjoyed a sensational season, emerging as a strong contender for football’s most prestigious individual award. Raphinha played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s domestic treble under new manager Hansi Flick, securing the La Liga title, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España. His individual stats were outstanding, with 34 goals and 25 assists in 57 appearances across all competitions.
Despite Barcelona’s Champions League exit, Raphinha dominated the tournament’s stats, finishing as the top scorer (13 goals) and assist provider (8). He also led in chances created, further solidifying his case as one of Europe’s best performers this season. However, UEFA awarded Ousmane Dembélé the Best Player honor after his key role in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph. This decision sparked controversy, with many fans arguing Raphinha was more deserving. The debate intensified when fans spotted Raphinha liking an Instagram post from Barça fan page *For Blaugrana*, which compared his superior stats to Dembélé’s. Supporters quickly reacted, with comments like, *“Raphinha knows he got robbed,”* and *“They robbed him actually.”*
In a recent interview, Raphinha remained humble, naming several players he believes are also Ballon d’Or contenders, including Lamine Yamal, Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappé, Pedri, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo. With Raphinha entering his prime and Barcelona back to winning ways, his Ballon d’Or chances are stronger than ever. If he maintains this form next season, especially in Europe, the award could finally be within his grasp. The rivalry between Raphinha and Dembélé adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming season, as both players look to cement their legacies at the highest level.
Barcelona fans will be eager to see if their Brazilian star can finally claim football’s ultimate individual honor.