Raphinha insists team success comes before personal honours, despite his chances of winning this year’s Ballon d’Or
Brazilian forward Raphinha, who has been a standout performer for Barcelona this season and is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or. Has revealed that he is not thinking about it as winning the accolade is beyond his reach.
The 28-year-old forward has impressed this season, scoring 34 goals and providing 18 assists in 54 appearances in all competitions, helping the Blaugrana to Supercopa de Espana and Copa del Rey titles and are now on the verge of another La Liga title.
The performance makes Raphinha another player who has a chance to win this year’s Ballon d’Or award. But he has denied any personal ambition to win the award.
‘I don’t think about the สมัคร UFABET วันนี้ รับเครดิตฟรีสำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ Ballon d’Or, it’s not a target I set for myself. But if I win it, it will be thanks to my work for my club and my country. My goal is to win trophies with the team. Individual awards come later and if I don’t win it, nothing happens,’ Raphinha said.
Raphinha has no hesitation in giving credit to Hansi Flick for the confidence and clarity that has brought his game back to life.
‘I am at Barca because Flick told me that I would be an important part of his plans. He is someone who cares about the players, his humanity, his concern, his neutrality. He wants to win with confidence.’
Not only has Raphinha grown on the pitch, he has also become one of the leaders in the Barcelona dressing room. Although he doesn’t wear the armband regularly, his leadership qualities are felt by his teammates.
‘Being chosen as captain makes me very happy. Playing here is my dream and wearing the captain’s armband makes it even more special.’
The 28-year-old forward also spoke about his close friendship with Neymar da Silva Junior, one of his idols, and also spoke about the 33-year-old’s potential return to the Blaugrana.
“There was a lot of talk about Neymar returning to Barcelona. I said, ‘Come on, you know the club loves you, the fans love you and everyone wants you back. But in the end it doesn’t depend on me or him,'” Rafinha said.
Raphinha has also not ruled out a future return to Brazil, saying: ‘I think one day I will play in the Brazilian league, but right now I am focused on Barca.’