Raphinha takes veiled jab at Ballon d'Or after becoming LaLiga Player of the Year: 'My work is being valued'

Raphinha on Sunday was adjudged the LaLiga Player of the Year at the award ceremony for the Spanish league during the Globe Soccer Awards held in Dubai. The Barcelona winger beat his teammate Lamine Yamal to the award.

The Brazillian forward played a key role in Barcelona's domestic treble triumph last season but did not have any individual trophies to show off for his brilliant performances. However, on Sunday, that changed as his contribution to Barca’s domestic dominance was acknowledged by the LaLiga.

Raphinha’s veiled jab at Ballon d’Or

While Raphinha was lighting up the field whenever he played, fans felt that he was not getting the recognition he deserved. Earlier this month, his wife Natalia Rodrigues took a swipe at FIFA after he was left out of the federation’s annual best men’s XI.

“They don’t even hide it anymore. 62 goals and assists last season… but he is not in this eleven. This is unfair. Is Raphinha a basketball player?” she said.

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Earlier, she had also shown frustration after Raphinha came fifth in the voting of Ballon d’Or which Ousmane Dembele won.

LaLiga though has now honoured him with the Player of the Year award, and it seemed Raphinha wanted to take a shot at those who ignored him.

“I want to thank you for this very special recognition. It means a lot to me that my work is being valued, as well as the work of the entire team. I would also like to thank everyone at La Liga for watching my matches last season,” Raphinha said with a smile on his face after winning the award.

“I want to thank this special club. For me, it’s not just a club; it also feels like a family—FC Barcelona. Being able to wear this shirt and give my best in every match while defending these colors is something very special and unforgettable," Raphinha added.

Barcelone got two more awards as Yamal won the best under-23 footballer for the 2024/25 season while Hansi Flick got the best coach award.