Rafinha Expresses Disappointment After Finishing Fifth in Ballon d’Or
Barcelona attacker Rafinha shares his disappointment at finishing fifth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or, stating he had hoped to secure the top spot.
Rafinha, Barcelona forward, expressed his disappointment after finishing fifth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or, held on September 22. The Brazilian star said he had expected a higher ranking and personally considered himself worthy of the first place.
Rafinha noted that he was among the top contenders, but Barcelona’s failure to win the UEFA Champions League influenced his final position.
Speaking to Sofascore, Rafinha said:
"I felt disappointed finishing fifth as I expected to be in the top three. I knew winning was tough since the Champions League impacts this award greatly. Nonetheless, I am satisfied and proud of my season; this is not just an individual award to erase what I achieved."
He added:
"If the award considered the entire season, I would have deserved first place. Personally, I would place myself first, Lamine Yamal second, Pedri third, and Dembélé fourth."
Rafinha scored 34 goals and provided 22 assists in 57 matches during the 2024/2025 season, helping Barcelona win the Spanish treble: La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España.
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