Raphinha Against “Big Teams” This Season: Unstoppable – Brazil Head Coach Dorival Jr. Believes Raphinha Could Have His Hands on the 2025 Ballon d’Or 🏆

Raphinha has been nothing short of phenomenal this season, proving himself as one of the most decisive players in European football. The Brazilian winger has delivered world-class performances against the biggest teams, cementing his place as a key player for Barcelona. His ability to rise to the occasion in crucial matches has not gone unnoticed, with Brazil head coach Dorival Jr. even suggesting that Raphinha could be in contention for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

This season, Raphinha has consistently delivered against the toughest opponents. His performances in El Clásico have been particularly impressive. In the Spanish Super Cup final, he tormented Real Madrid’s defense, scoring twice to help Barcelona secure a dominant victory. It was a statement performance, one that showcased his composure, technical brilliance, and hunger for big moments.

He followed that up with another standout display against Madrid in La Liga, registering both a goal and an assist. Against a team known for its defensive resilience, Raphinha found a way to break through once again, proving that his impact is not limited to just one competition. His ability to shine under pressure has made him a nightmare for Madrid’s defenders.

Perhaps his most electrifying performance of the season came against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Facing one of the strongest defensive units in Europe, Raphinha produced a sensational hat-trick, dismantling the German giants with his pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing. It was the kind of display that Ballon d’Or winners are made of—dominating the biggest stage with individual brilliance.

His impact hasn’t been limited to just one or two games. Against Dortmund, he found the net once again, proving that his goal-scoring touch is no fluke. Whether it’s cutting inside to curl one past the keeper or arriving at the right moment in the box, Raphinha has consistently shown why he is Barcelona’s most dangerous attacker in high-stakes matches.

In the Champions League knockout stage, he stepped up again with a crucial goal against Benfica in the Round of 16. Earlier in the group stages, he had already tormented the Portuguese side with a brace, making it clear that no defense is safe when Raphinha is on the pitch. His ability to perform against different styles of play underlines his versatility and footballing intelligence.

His creative side has also been on full display. Against Atalanta, he turned provider, delivering two assists to help his teammates get on the scoresheet. He repeated the feat against Atlético Madrid, showing that he is not just a goal scorer but also a top-class playmaker. His vision, passing accuracy, and decision-making in the final third have added another dimension to Barcelona’s attack.

Under Xavi’s guidance, Raphinha has evolved into a complete forward. Initially viewed as a secondary option behind Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembélé, he has now emerged as one of Barcelona’s main attacking threats. His confidence on the ball, improved tactical awareness, and relentless work rate have elevated his game to a new level.

One of his most impressive traits is his mentality. Raphinha thrives under pressure. He never hesitates to take on defenders, make bold runs, or attempt ambitious shots. His fearless approach to big games has been a major factor in his rise this season. While some players crumble on the biggest stage, Raphinha relishes the challenge and consistently delivers.

His versatility has also been crucial to his success. While primarily playing on the right wing, he has demonstrated an ability to operate on the left, cutting inside to unleash his lethal left foot. His intelligent movement allows him to exploit spaces that defenders leave open, making him a constant threat no matter where he plays.

Beyond his attacking contributions, his defensive work rate has also been exceptional. He tracks back, presses aggressively, and helps disrupt opposition attacks. This level of commitment makes him invaluable to Barcelona’s overall tactical setup, as he contributes both offensively and defensively.

With his current form, it’s no surprise that Dorival Jr. believes Raphinha could be a serious contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Winning such an award requires not just technical ability but also consistency, leadership, and performances in decisive moments. So far, Raphinha has ticked all the boxes. If he continues this trajectory, leading Barcelona to silverware while maintaining his dominance in big games, he could very well be lifting football’s most prestigious individual prize next year.

His performances have also reinvigorated the Brazilian national team. With Neymar struggling with injuries and Vinícius Júnior still growing into a leadership role, Raphinha has stepped up as a key figure for Brazil. If he can translate his club form to the international stage, he could further strengthen his Ballon d’Or case.

Barcelona fans have every reason to be excited. Raphinha’s explosive playing style, combined with his ability to decide matches, has made him a fan favorite. Every time he steps onto the pitch, there is a sense of anticipation—because with Raphinha, something special always seems to happen.

Unstoppable. That’s the word that defines Raphinha this season. If he continues at this level, there’s every chance that Dorival Jr.’s prediction could come true. The 2025 Ballon d’Or may have Raphinha’s name written all over it.