The Ballon d’Or race has once again taken a turn into a thrilling Barca-centered drama. The 17-year-old La Masia prodigy, Lamine Yamal, has risen past all Ballon d’Or favourites and now stands at the number one spot in the latest bookmakers’ power rankings. If he wins the award, he’ll be the youngest (18 years old by 2025’s end) to put his hands on the coveted prize, breaking the record of Ronaldo O Fenomeno himself.
The Redemption Arc of Raphinha Belloli: Barca’s Prized Brazilian
Raphinha’s 24/25 season has been nothing short of a redemption. The Brazilian has bagged an outstanding 51 goal contributions (31G+25A), and his run has been pivotal for Flick’s success. The left winger had a rocky start at Barcelona, and at one point, he even thought of leaving the club. But this season under Hansi Flick, Raphinha has been simply sensational.
That is why he has been leading in the Ballon d’Or rankings throughout the season. The Brazilian fought against the Egyptian king Mo Salah for the better part of the season, but after Liverpool were KO’d by PSG in the quarter-finals, it has been an undisputed Raphinha topping the Ballon d’Or charts since then.
Major Twist: 17-Year-Old Lamine Yamal Tops the Ballon D’or Race
But now here comes the twist. Teenage sensation, Yamal, has surged past Raphinha all of a sudden and now holds most chances to win the Ballon d’or, as per bookmakers. Lamine Yamal, at 17, is the most exciting talent in the footballing world. He’s shattering records daily and winning trophies like they’re nothing. He is the best creator in the world right now (24 assists, highest in Europe) and has been deciding games single-handedly for Barca this season. And now, after last week’s sensational performance, Yamal has topped the Ballon d’Or power rankings and has surpassed Raphinha.
Although his numbers aren’t Raphinha level, the kid’s impact has been even bigger and thus he has transcended numbers. He has dismantled every defense he has faced this season and impressed even the biggest rivals with his performances. He now holds the most chances (28.6%; some other sources say 40%) to grab the coveted golden ball. If he wins, he’ll be the youngest to do so. What a story!
Three Catalan Players in Ballon d’or Top 5
The latest Ballon d’Or rankings also reveal another interesting detail: Three Barcelona players are in the top five. Let that sink in, guys: Yamal is number one, Raphinha is number two, and Pedri is number five. It shows how good Flick’s side has been this season, and his high-octane footballing style has worked wonders for Barca.
But the coming weeks, starting with Valladolid tonight, Inter next, and Real Madrid next week, will decide Barca’s season. If the Blaugrana stumble at this point, the dominance narrative will crumble to dust. It’s now or never, as the agony of 10 years without UCL can be finally put to bed this season.