Raphinha performed well in the 2024-25 season. Rafinha Ballon d’Or Atletico coach Diego Simeone was surprised by the lack of a winner. Simeone praised the Barcelona star and said, “I would have chosen him.” See Dembele vs Rafinha statistics and detailed analysis. The football world always loves to argue, especially when it comes to the ‘Ballon d’Or’ or the best footballer of the year award. The 2024-25 season was like a dream for Barcelona. Under the coaching of Hansi Flick, the Catalan club became an unstoppable force. The Brazilian winger was the centerpiece of Barca’s attack that season Rafinha He was a shining star in domestic treble wins and individual performances.
Yet, the highest individual recognition in football, the golden trophy, did not reach his hands. This year’s Ballon d’Or went to PSG’s French forward Ousmane Dembele. Rafinha had to be content with fifth place on the list. Many could not accept this result. Now, Atletico Madrid’s renowned coach Diego Simeone has joined the list. After the defeat against Barcelona, he expressed his surprise while praising Rafinha and clearly stated that in his eyes, Rafinha was the best.
Rafinha’s superhuman season under Hansi Flick
Hansi Flick has transformed the team since taking charge of Barcelona. Especially in the 2024-25 season, Barcelona was a goal machine. It became their habit to celebrate goals in the opponent’s net. And the driving force of this devastating Barcelona was Rafinha.
That season, Barcelona won the domestic treble (League, Cup and Super Cup). The Brazilian was the team’s top scorer (goals + assists) in all competitions. Rafinha was indispensable in Flick’s high-pressing football. Not only did he score goals, he also assisted in the defense and broke down the opponent’s defense line, making him an unrivaled player. After such performances, he was naturally considered one of the contenders to win the Ballon d’Or.
Ballon d’Or debate: Dembele vs. Rafinha
When the Ballon d’Or winner was announced, there was a mixed reaction in the football world. Ousmane Dembele, who plays for PSG, won the award. Barcelona’s young sensation Lamine Yamal was second in the voting list. But Rafinha surprisingly came in fifth.
Rafinha was no less than Dembele in terms of statistics and influence, in fact, he was ahead of him in many ways. But the jury board decided that the PSG French forward had the last laugh. This is the main issue that Diego Simeone raised questions about.
Diego Simeone’s surprise: ‘I would have chosen Rafinha’
Atletico Madrid lost 3-1 to Barcelona in a high-voltage La Liga match at the Nou Camp last night. Rafinha scored the first goal for Barca in this match as well. In an interview with the Spanish media ‘Football Espana’ after the match, Atletico’s 55-year-old coach Simeone praised Rafinha highly.
Simeon said,“He’s an incredible player. He can play anywhere on the pitch—winger, midfielder, striker, even wing-back when needed.”
Simeone did not hide his disappointment at Rafinha not winning the Ballon d’Or. He added,“Rafinha can score goals, create chances, and put a lot of pressure on opponents. I really don’t understand how he hasn’t won the Ballon d’Or. If I had the power, I would always choose him.”The opposing coach’s comments prove that even though he didn’t win the trophy, Rafinha has earned a place in the hearts of football fans.
Raphinha Battle of the statistics: Why did Rafinha fall behind?
Turning the page of statistics, it can be seen that the battle between Rafinha and Ousmane Dembele was fierce.
- Ousmane Dembele (PSG):He won the treble for PSG last season. He scored 37 goals and assisted 15 in 60 matches. The Champions League win played a major role in his Ballon d’Or win. The glory of being the best in Europe has put him ahead in this race.
- Rafinha (Barcelona):Rafinha was exceptional in his individual performance. In 57 matches, he scored 34 goals and assisted 22 goals for his teammates. That is, he was ahead of Dembele in total goal contribution. In particular, he also held the record for contributing the most goals in the last season of the Champions League.
So why didn’t he win? The main reason for this could be the Champions League semi-final. Last season, Barcelona lost to Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final. Rafinha had to pay a high price for not being the best in Europe as a team. Although his individual performance was at its peak, the lack of European trophies put him behind in the voting.
The key to Hansi Flick’s pressing machine
Rafinha’s contribution last season cannot be fully measured by goals or assists alone. Rafinha was the most important pawn in Hansi Flick’s famous ‘high-pressing’ football philosophy. The speed with which he pounced on opponents and recovered the ball the moment he lost it was rare among modern wingers. Where many star forwards are reluctant to help out in defense, Rafinha was the team’s ‘first defender’. His tireless work throughout the ninety minutes helped Barcelona dominate the opponent’s half, which did not escape the attention of a tactical coach like Diego Simeone.
A response to criticism and a symbol of mental toughness
Rafinha’s rise to prominence is a shining example of not only his footballing prowess, but also his mental toughness. At the start of last season, there were strong rumours that he would leave Barcelona; many said he would not be able to cope with the pressure of the Nou Camp. But he has proven the critics wrong and not only cemented his place in the team, but has established himself as one of the team’s leaders. Even if he doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or, the trust he has built in the hearts of Barcelona fans is worth more than many trophies. Dembele’s brilliance may not always be evident in his game, but his consistency and dedication to the team have been unparalleled.
Is the Ballon d’Or deprivation a new fuel?
This regret of not getting the Ballon d’Or could serve as inspiration or ‘fuel’ for Rafinha for the new season. Many legends in the history of football have had to suffer such a situation, who later took themselves to even greater heights. This public support from Simeone and the sympathy of football fans around the world will only make him hungrier. He has already sent a message by scoring against Atletico this season that he is unstoppable. Even if the trophy is lost, if Rafinha can maintain this form, the Ballon d’Or authorities may not dare to ignore him in the future.
Rafinha’s versatility: an advertisement for modern football
Diego Simeone specifically mentioned Rafinha’s ‘versatility’ in his speech. In modern football, a player needs to be able to play in multiple positions, and Rafinha is unrivaled in this area. Hansi Flick has used him sometimes on the right wing, sometimes as a playmaker, and sometimes as a false nine. He has even not hesitated to drop down and defend when the team needs him. This quality of Rafinha is what makes him ‘special’ in the eyes of a defensive tactical coach like Simeone.
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Conclusion
The debate over trophies and awards will always be there in football. Ousmane Dembele won the Ballon d’Or for winning the Champions League, which he deserved. But when you look at the comments and statistics of an experienced coach like Diego Simeone, it seems that Rafinha was an unfortunate hero. The heights he has taken himself to under Hansi Flick are incredible. Even if the team could not be the best in Europe, there is no denying that Rafinha was one of the best footballers in the world last season in terms of individual performance. Simeone’s ‘explosive’ praise may be more than a consolation prize for Rafinha.
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