Raphinhas Ballon dOr Frustration After Chelsea Snub and Injuries

Raphinha’s 2025 Setback: Injury and Ballon d’Or Snub Cloud Barcelona Dream

Barcelona winger Raphinha is facing a challenging period in 2025. The Brazilian star is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. He also recently expressed deep frustration after finishing fifth in the Ballon d’Or voting.

This disappointment comes just a few years after he famously turned down a move to Chelsea. His sole focus was to fulfill a childhood dream of playing for Barcelona.

The Road to Camp Nou: Choosing Barcelona Over Chelsea

In the summer of 2022, Raphinha was at a career crossroads. His dazzling performances for Leeds United had attracted serious Premier League interest. Chelsea had even agreed on a transfer fee with Leeds to sign him.

However, the player’s mind was already made up. According to AS Diario, Raphinha stated he only had one dream: to play for Barcelona. He trusted the Catalan club to secure his signature, which they eventually did.

This decision defined his path. He chose the legacy of Camp Nou over the project at Stamford Bridge. It was a gamble on his own ambition and belief in his destiny.

A Hamstring Halt at a Crucial Time

Raphinha’s 2025 season has been interrupted by physical setback. He sustained a hamstring injury during a La Liga match against Real Oviedo last month. The issue has proven persistent.

According to reports from Yahoo Sports, he missed consecutive training sessions ahead of a Champions League match. His absence, along with teammate Ferran Torres’s, left Barcelona’s attack weakened.

The club’s medical team is managing his recovery carefully. For a player reliant on speed, a hamstring problem is a significant concern. Barcelona fans are eagerly awaiting his full return to fitness.

Ballon d’Or Disappointment: “I Wasn’t Appreciated Enough”

Beyond the injury, Raphinha has dealt with a personal blow. He finished in fifth place in the 2025 Ballon d’Or ranking. The award was won by French international Ousmane Dembélé.

Raphinha did not hide his feelings about the result. In a press conference covered by Zamin, he said he felt undervalued. He stated he had an “incredible” personal season and believed he deserved more recognition.

His comments questioned the award’s criteria. He suggested journalists should explain why his performances were not rated higher. It highlighted the gap between self-perception and external validation in elite sport.

The coming months are critical for Raphinha’s Barcelona chapter. His primary task is a full recovery to help his team in La Liga and Europe. The mental response to his Ballon d’Or disappointment will also be telling.

His journey continues to be a compelling mix of fulfilled dreams and new hurdles. The winger’s talent and candid nature ensure his story remains one to watch.

Raphinha’s 2025 journey underscores how quickly fortunes can shift in football, from injury frustrations to public debates about individual merit.

Info at your fingertips

What was Raphinha’s Ballon d’Or ranking in 2025?

Raphinha finished in fifth place in the 2025 Ballon d’Or vote. The award was ultimately won by Barcelona teammate Ousmane Dembélé.

Why is Raphinha currently not playing for Barcelona?

He is out with a hamstring injury sustained in a league match. His recovery has kept him from training and several important games.

Did Raphinha almost join Chelsea?

Yes. In 2022, Chelsea agreed a transfer deal with Leeds United for Raphinha. The player himself chose to wait for and ultimately join Barcelona instead.

How did Raphinha react to his Ballon d’Or placement?

He was openly disappointed. He told journalists he felt he was not appreciated enough and believed he deserved a higher finish.