Barcelona winger Raphinha has made a candid and unexpected admission, confessing that he has abandoned his dreams of winning the Ballon d’Or after witnessing a jaw-dropping performance from an Arsenal player in their recent Champions League showdown with Real Madrid.
“I’ve always dreamed of winning the Ballon d’Or,” Raphinha said. “But after seeing what he did against Madrid, I’ve let that go. There’s no way I’m getting picked over him.”
While Raphinha didn’t name the player outright, he made it clear that it wasn’t Thomas Partey or Declan Rice—prompting widespread speculation that he was referring to Arsenal’s star winger, Bukayo Saka.
Saka delivered a sensational performance in the high-stakes clash, dazzling fans and pundits with his pace, precision, and poise in front of goal. His efforts were instrumental in a memorable victory for Mikel Arteta’s side, further solidifying his status as one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
At just 22, Saka has become the heartbeat of Arsenal’s attack this season, delivering consistently in both the Premier League and Champions League. His growing influence and maturity on the biggest stages have sparked serious Ballon d’Or conversations—potentially putting him on track to make history as the first Arsenal player to win the coveted award.
One fan captured the mood on social media, posting: “He’ll be the first to win the Ballon d’Or under Arteta. What a season!”
As the season continues to unfold, Saka’s rise shows no signs of slowing down—and if Raphinha’s honest reaction is anything to go by, even rival players are beginning to recognize him as a genuine contender for football’s top individual prize.