What is the story about?
What's Happening?
According to L'Équipe, Brazilian winger Raphinha of Barcelona did not receive any first-place votes in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting. His teammate Lamine Yamal was named first by journalists 11 times. Other players receiving first-place votes included Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé, PSG's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Napoli's Scott McTominay. PSG's Ousmane Dembele won the Ballon d’Or with 73 first-place votes out of 100.
Why It's Important?
The Ballon d’Or is one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, and the voting results reflect the opinions of journalists and experts on the best players in the world. Raphinha's absence from the top votes highlights the competitive nature of the award and the high standards required to be considered among the best. The recognition of players like Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal underscores their impact and contributions to their teams.
Beyond the Headlines
Raphinha's statement that the Ballon d’Or was not his personal goal suggests a focus on team achievements rather than individual accolades. This perspective may influence his approach to the game and his contributions to Barcelona. The voting results also highlight the diverse talent pool in football, with players from different clubs and countries being recognized for their performances.
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