With the 2024/25 football season coming to a close, the voting period for the 2025 Ballon d'Or is wrapping up. Coming off the back of a lauded campaign, Lamine Yamal revealed in March which footballing star could rival him to win the award.
A prestigious award that is dreamt of being held by footballers all over the globe, only the best of the best have had the honour of being awarded the iconic Golden Ball. With names such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi both having had numerous stints as the world number one, it is the former team of Messi who have the highest chance of scooping up the award.
Barcelona surprised the footballing world this season, with Hansi Flick navigating the Blaugrana to their 28th league title. Having finished 10 points shy of their rivals, Real Madrid, in the previous season, Barca secured the triumph with two games to spare.
With Yamal being focal to his side's success, two months ago, he revealed which teammate of his had the best chance of beating him to the Ballon d'Or, with the specific conditions Yamal mentioned having been met.
Lamine Yamal Named Teammate as 2025 Ballon d'Or Rival
It is hard to argue against Yamal's suggestion
yamal raphinha lewandowski
Barcelona will close the 2024/25 season with three trophies to their name: La Liga, Copa Del Rey and Supercopa de Espana. Alongside a trying effort in the Champions League, in which they made the semi-finals, the 125th season in the club's history was one to remember.
Having yearned for a bright spark since Messi's departure in 2021, La Masia graduate Yamal stepped up and announced himself as not just football's next big thing, but football's current big thing. Speaking to Diario Sport in March, before any title triumphs, the 17-year-old revealed which of his teammates has the best chance of pipping him to the iconic Golden Ball in Paris.
"If we [Barcelona] win the titles they have ahead of us, one of us will win it, whoever it is. I’m very happy for Raphinha, I always tell him his change has been incredible and he’s having a great time. The Ballon d’Or does not worry me."
Raphinha's 2024/25 Season
The Brazilian had a career year
Leading the way for goals and assists in the Champions League, Raphinha recorded his highest-returning season of his career, achieving 56 goal contributions with one final game yet to play. A season to remember, the Brazilian produced more contributions in 2024/25 than in his past two seasons in the iconic blue and red stripes.
Raphinha's 2024/25 Stats So Far (all competitions)
Appearances:
Goals:
Assists:
A worthy contender for the Ballon d'Or, his three trophies and seismic contribution in all three of them mean he and Yamal will be rivals when the ceremony rolls around in September. Having finally put to rest any question marks over his move from England to Spain, Raphinha will hope this is the beginning of his name remaining in elite footballing conversations.
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Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 20/05/25.