In football awards, hype is the most powerful currency. This season no player is getting more hype than Lamine Yamal. As we all know the Balon d’Or ceremony is still three months away, and candidates change every month. Since the start of the season, the names that remain are Lamine and Raphinha, with PSG’s Ousmane Dembele making a late comeback. Let’s keep Dembele away from this debate and talk about the Barcelona lads.
At just seventeen, Lamine has taken the world by surprise and is the face of Barcelona’s next generation. His numbers, skills, and aura have made him a media favorite and a serious Ballon d’Or contender for 2025.
But amid all the chants, one name seems to fade despite all his efforts the player who, arguably, has had the better season.
While the world overlooks Lamine’s potential, Raphinha’s performances for FC Barcelona this season deserve credit. He wasn’t just a consistent performer, he was a leader, often wearing the captain’s armband and showcasing an elite mentality during clutch moments.
It’s high time we should raise a question: is Lamine’s hype overshadowing a more deserving teammate?
Consistency Over Glimpses
Let’s start with numbers. Raphinha’s contributions this season weren’t in gaps, they were consistent. From clutch goals in big games to tireless efforts both in offense and defense, the Brazilian did all for Flick’s side. While Lamine was appreciated for his flair and highlights, Raphinha delivered in the dirty minutes.
The kind of mentality that builds a team, not headlines.
The Captain Mentality
Raphinha’s rise to captaincy didn’t come with ease, he thrived for the role.
The summer transfer window is a window full of pivotal decisions. After Nico’s impressive Euros campaign and his chemistry with Lamine Yamal, Barcelona fans were convinced he was the man who could save Barcelona. Barcelona fans wanted to sell Raphinha and use those funds for Nico’s transfer, they even started to print Nico’s name on the back of Barcelona’s shirt which was Raphinha’s Number 11.
Making a comeback after this backlash is not easy. Raphinha’s interviews, body language, and passion on the field spoke volumes about his mentality. When the team needed experience, it was Raphinha who delivered, not Lamine.
The Hype Machine Problem
There is no doubt, that modern football runs on virality. Lamine and his social activities, automatically draw attention. To be clear, Lamine is a generational talent, but Ballon d’Or isn’t about potential, it’s about the season.
I believe Raphinha should be more on the front pages when the topic is Balon d’Or. Lamine had a great season and deserves to be on the podium. For me, Raphinha deserves to lift the award over him. If we eliminate the PR factor from these awards, there is no doubt Raphinha would be ahead of the youngster. Raphinha had his best-ever season at Barcelona, I still believe Lamine will have even better seasons than this one and will win this award shortly.
Raphinha had 34 goals and 25 assists this season, with Lamine having 18 goals and 25 assists.