Barcelona’s young defender Pau Cubarsi recently weighed in on who he believes deserves the prestigious Ballon d’Or this year, revealing a keen understanding of the competition and team dynamics. When asked during an interview on March 19, 2025, he confidently named Raphinha as the standout candidate, citing his impressive performances throughout the 2024-2025 season.
Despite being close peers with Lamine Yamal, another strong contender from Barcelona’s ranks, Cubarsi chose to prioritize merit over personal ties. "Right now, because of how the season is going, I would give it to Raphinha," he stated. This endorsement underscores not just Cubarsi’s maturity as a player, but also the sheer impact Raphinha has made in the squad this season.
Raphinha’s stats speak volumes; he has accumulated 27 goals and provided 20 assists over 42 matches across all competitions. This remarkable output has cemented his status as one of the frontrunners for the Ballon d’Or, especially in a season where the legacy of past superstars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo seems distant.
In addition to his offensive prowess, Cubarsi highlighted Raphinha's leadership within the team. "He is a leader in the dressing room," said Cubarsi, adding that Ronald Araujo also deserved recognition for his leadership qualities. This aspect is crucial, as Raphinha has not only contributed significantly on the field but has also assumed a pivotal role in boosting team morale.
The expectations surrounding this year’s Ballon d’Or are particularly high, as both Raphinha and Yamal have been prominent figures leading Barcelona’s campaign. Lamine Yamal himself has expressed confidence in the potential outcome, stating that he believes either he or Raphinha will win the coveted award. This indicates a competitive spirit within the team that could benefit their overall performance.
Both players have emerged as key figures in a Barcelona squad aiming for silverware in multiple competitions, including La Liga and the Champions League. Currently, Barcelona holds strong odds to win La Liga at 4/6, while their chance of securing the Champions League title stands at 7/5. With their current form and teamwork, it's not out of reach for them to achieve significant success this season.
As for the broader picture in the race for the Ballon d’Or, Raphinha leads the betting odds at 9/4, having demonstrated consistent excellence. He has not only scored crucial goals but has also excelled in creating opportunities for his teammates, as demonstrated by his 20 assists this season. Moreover, his contribution to Barcelona's impressive run in the Champions League cannot be understated, with 11 goals where he has averaged 1.11 goals per match.
When evaluating the competition, Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid, with 31 goals to his name across all competitions, stands tall as a formidable rival. His chances for the Ballon d’Or, enhanced by his standout performance in La Liga with 20 goals, position him as a close second with odds of 5/2.
Meanwhile, Vinícius Júnior, another Real Madrid star, has not gone unnoticed, contributing to 24 goals in this season alone and remains in contention, rated at 9/1 for the Ballon d’Or.
However, the challenge does not end there. Mohamed Salah, despite suffering a setback with Liverpool's early exit from the Champions League, continues to attract attention with a leading Premier League tally of 27 goals and 17 assists, making him a noteworthy candidate with odds set at 5/1.
In light of all these developments, the competition for the Ballon d’Or is set to heat up as the season approaches its climax. Players like Raphinha, Yamal, and others are under the spotlight, as they navigate through the final stretch of the season while striving for individual glory intertwined with collective success.
Cubarsi’s thoughtful assessment not only highlights the camaraderie and competitive spirit within the Barcelona team but also reflects the evolving landscape of football, where a new wave of talent is putting their mark on the sport. As the Ballon d’Or grows nearer, fans will eagerly await to see who will ultimately claim the coveted prize.
