The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is heating up, and two names are dominating the conversation: Champions League Drama Unfolds Barcelona’s Raphinha and Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé. Both wingers have delivered sensational performances this season, with Raphinha making history by matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic Champions League record for goal contributions in a single campaign. However, despite his stellar club form, Raphinha’s chances may have taken a hit due to Brazil’s struggles on the international stage. Meanwhile, Dembélé’s red-hot form for PSG has positioned him as a serious contender for football’s most prestigious individual award. As the football world buzzes with excitement, let’s dive into why these two stars are leading the Ballon d’Or conversation and what their journeys mean for the sport.
Raphinha has been a revelation for Barcelona this season. The Brazilian winger, once criticized by some fans and nearly sold last summer, has silenced doubters with a campaign for the ages. In the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League, Raphinha has recorded an astonishing 13 goals and 9 assists in just 14 matches, totaling 22 goal contributions. This remarkable feat ties him with Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the most goal involvements in a single Champions League season, set during Real Madrid’s title-winning 2013-14 campaign. Raphinha achieved this milestone with a late strike in Barcelona’s thrilling 4-3 loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinal second leg.
What makes Raphinha’s achievement even more impressive is how he’s outperformed Barcelona legend Lionel Messi in the club’s history books. His 20 goal contributions in the competition earlier this season surpassed Messi’s record of 19 from the 2011-12 season, cementing Raphinha’s place among football’s elite. Across all competitions, the 28-year-old has tallied 32 goals and 25 assists, making him one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers. His electric performances, combined with Barcelona’s La Liga lead and Copa del Rey triumph, have fueled talk of a potential treble—and a strong case for the Ballon d’Or.
Raphinha’s journey to this point hasn’t been easy. After struggling to find consistency in his first two seasons at Barcelona, he faced criticism and even considered leaving the club. An offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal tempted him, but new manager Hansi Flick’s faith changed everything. Flick’s arrival gave Raphinha a fresh start, and the Brazilian has repaid that trust with match-winning displays. His work rate, flair, and ability to deliver in big moments have made him a fan favorite and a cornerstone of Barcelona’s resurgence.
While Raphinha has been lighting up La Liga, Ousmane Dembélé has been turning heads in Ligue 1. The French winger, once a teammate of Raphinha’s at Barcelona, has found a new lease on life at PSG. Under manager Luis Enrique, Dembélé has embraced a central role in the attack, delivering 32 goals and 8 assists across all competitions this season. In the Champions League, he’s contributed 7 goals and 1 assist in 10 matches, including a crucial goal against Liverpool in the round of 16.
Dembélé’s transformation has been remarkable. Once plagued by injuries and inconsistency, the 27-year-old is now a consistent performer, dazzling defenders with his pace and technical brilliance. His standout moment came in PSG’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa in the Champions League quarterfinals, where he assisted a vital goal in stoppage time. With PSG in contention for their first-ever Champions League title, Dembélé’s stock is rising fast. Many now see him as the frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or, especially if he can lead PSG to European glory.
Despite Raphinha’s heroics for Barcelona, his Ballon d’Or candidacy may face challenges due to Brazil’s disappointing international performances. The Seleção have struggled recently, failing to replicate the success of their 2002 World Cup-winning side. The 2024 Copa América was a particular low point, with Brazil exiting early and Raphinha unable to make a significant impact. Historically, Ballon d’Or voters place weight on international success, and Brazil’s lackluster campaign could overshadow Raphinha’s club achievements.
In contrast, Dembélé’s France remains a powerhouse in international football. With a talented squad and a strong chance at the UEFA Nations League title, Dembélé has a platform to shine on the global stage. If he delivers in high-stakes matches, his Ballon d’Or case could become even stronger. For Raphinha, leading Brazil to a major trophy, such as the 2026 World Cup, might be necessary to secure the award in the future.
The Ballon d’Or race between Raphinha and Dembélé is a fascinating clash of narratives. Raphinha’s story is one of redemption—a player who overcame doubt and adversity to become a record-breaking star. His 22 Champions League goal contributions are unmatched this season, and his leadership in Barcelona’s attack, alongside Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, has been pivotal. However, his high shot volume—missing 73% of his attempts—shows he’s a player who thrives on persistence rather than precision.
Dembélé, on the other hand, represents a tale of untapped potential finally realized. His move to PSG has unlocked his true ability, and his versatility in attack makes him a nightmare for defenders. While his Champions League numbers (7 goals, 1 assist) don’t match Raphinha’s, his overall goal tally and PSG’s strong position in Ligue 1 and the Champions League give him an edge. The fact that PSG are still in the Champions League, while Barcelona fell short in the semifinals, could sway voters in Dembélé’s favor.
Raphinha’s achievement in matching Ronaldo’s Champions League record is no small feat. Ronaldo’s 2013-14 season, with 17 goals and 4 assists, was a masterclass in dominance, leading Real Madrid to the title. Raphinha’s 13 goals and 9 assists show a different style—more balanced between scoring and creating—but the fact that he reached 22 goal contributions in a more competitive, expanded Champions League format speaks volumes. While Ronaldo averaged a goal contribution every 45 minutes, Raphinha’s rate of one every 55.6 minutes is still elite.
This record has thrust Raphinha into the spotlight, with legends like Thierry Henry backing him for the Ballon d’Or. Henry praised Raphinha’s 11 Champions League goals, arguing that his impact in Europe’s biggest competition puts him ahead of other contenders like Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane. However, without a Champions League title, Raphinha’s case may fall short of Ronaldo’s, whose trophy haul that season sealed his legacy.
As the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches, the race remains wide open. Raphinha and Dembélé are joined by other contenders like Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, and Harry Kane, but their performances in the Champions League have set them apart. For Raphinha, winning La Liga and potentially the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid could bolster his case, but the lack of a Champions League title hurts. Dembélé, meanwhile, has a golden opportunity to shine in the Champions League final, where a standout performance could cement his status as the favorite.
The Ballon d’Or isn’t just about numbers—it’s about narrative. Raphinha’s journey from nearly leaving Barcelona to matching Ronaldo’s record is inspiring, while Dembélé’s resurgence at PSG proves that talent can triumph over setbacks. Both players have shown that the post-Messi and Ronaldo era is full of new stars ready to write their own legacies.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years, with Raphinha and Dembélé leading the charge. Raphinha’s record-tying Champions League campaign has put him in the history books, but Brazil’s struggles and Barcelona’s semifinal exit could hold him back. Dembélé, with his electric form and PSG’s continued success, might have the edge. As the season reaches its climax, football fans worldwide are watching closely to see who will claim the coveted prize. One thing is certain: both Raphinha and Dembélé have proven they belong among the game’s elite.
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