Barcelona star, Raphinha, has opened up about his disappointment over missing out on the Ballon d’Or, admitting he felt he deserved the prestigious Golden Ball.
The Brazilian winger enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Barcelona, helping Hansi Flick’s side lift three trophies and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Despite his impressive achievements, Ousmane Dembélé was ultimately named the world’s best player, a decision that left Raphinha feeling frustrated.
“I was upset. I expected more. I expected to be in the top 3 at least,” Raphinha told Sofascore (via Barca Blaugranes).
“I knew winning would be difficult because the Champions League weighs a lot. So I was upset with the position I ended in. But I understand it involves many things I cannot control. Many things that are complicated to keep highlighting.
“What I can say is that I’m very satisfied with the season I had and no individual award will erase what I did last season.”
When asked where he would place himself, Raphinha did not hold back.
“I would place myself in first place! Stop making that little noise! If it were… in my understanding… it’s a tic. It is my understanding that an individual award cannot be based on a single competition,” he said.
“Based on that, I think I deserved to be first for what I delivered during the season, for the titles I won, for the numbers I achieved, and for everything I contributed on the pitch. I think I deserved to win.
“As it is an award that is practically based on a single competition, Dembélé deserved to win, especially since he also had a spectacular season. Lamine also had a spectacular season.
“But, in my view, if it were something based on the season itself, I think I deserved to win the award.”
