Ballon d’Or: I was disappointed – Raphinha

Barcelona winger Raphinha has admitted that he was disappointed not to win the Ballon d’Or this year.

Raphinha made the remark ahead of Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League clash with Club Brugge on Wednesday.

The Brazil international finished in fifth place in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings, behind Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, Vitinha, and Mohamed Salah.

“Yes, I had high expectations of winning the Ballon d’Or, and yes, I was disappointed, but at the same time, it taught me humility and perspective,” Raphinha said, as quoted by TouchlineX.

“The Ballon d’Or is an individual award, but football is a team sport. When I look at everything I achieved with Barcelona and Brazil, I realise how much I have to be thankful for instead of disappointed.

“That motivates me to keep working hard, to keep growing, and hopefully I will have another opportunity to fight for the top spot in the future.”