Raphinha has thrown his full support behind Lamine Yamal in the 2026 Ballon d’Or race, arguing that the Barcelona youngster’s numbers, trophies and World Cup success make his case stronger than the other contenders.
Speaking to RAC1, the Barcelona captain was emphatic when asked about Yamal’s chances of winning the individual award.
“Lamine has to win the Ballon d’Or, no matter what. With all due respect to the others, but Lamine, by a long way, has to win this award,” Raphinha said.
He pointed to Yamal’s statistics and silverware as the main reasons for his position.
“He has the numbers, he has won trophies with the club, and he has won the World Cup,” Raphinha said.
The Brazilian also highlighted the demand surrounding Yamal, suggesting the teenager has already become the kind of player supporters are willing to pay to watch.
“People will pay whatever it takes to watch him play, and I would pay it too!”
Raphinha also defended Yamal against criticism of his performances during Spain’s World Cup campaign.
When it was suggested that winning the tournament should not count as heavily if Yamal did not perform at his best throughout the competition, Raphinha questioned the argument.
“But how can you win a World Cup playing badly?” he said.
He added that Yamal’s performances have regularly produced moments that go beyond basic statistics.
“For me, there is no other option,” Raphinha said of his Ballon d’Or choice.
Raphinha wants Champions League glory with Barcelona
While backing his teammate for individual honours, Raphinha's own focus remains firmly on Barcelona’s collective targets.
“My personal goal is to win Barça the Champions League and another La Liga title,” he said.
That ambition comes after Barcelona opened the 2026/27 season strongly.
The club has won its first seven competitive matches, including a 7-2 victory over Racing Santander in which Raphinha scored a hat-trick.
Raphinha has played a major role in that start after being moved into a more central attacking position by Hansi Flick.
He has scored 11 goals in seven appearances across LaLiga and the Champions League, according to RAC1 and AFP reporting.
His form has also come after a successful August in LaLiga, when he was named the competition’s Player of the Month after scoring six goals and providing one assist during the opening part of the campaign.
Raphinha wants to finish his career at Barcelona
The 29 year old also gave Barcelona supporters another reason to be optimistic about his future.
Raphinha currently has a contract running until 2028, but he said he would like to extend it and remain at the club until the end of his playing career.
“I intend to extend my contract,” he said. “I would be very happy to extend my contract and, hopefully, finish my career here without having to go elsewhere.”
The comments represent a significant statement from a player who had previously acknowledged having doubts about his future at Barcelona during a difficult period early in his career.
His situation has changed considerably under Flick.
Raphinha is now Barcelona’s first captain and has adapted successfully to a central role in the attack, while his relationship with the coach has become an important part of his resurgence.
For now, his priorities are clear; Which is to help Barcelona challenge for another LaLiga title, pursue Champions League success, and continue playing alongside the player he believes should take home the Ballon d’Or.