Barcelona midfielder Gavi has named who he thinks should win the 2025 Ballon d’Or – and it’s not Raphinha or Lamine Yamal.
Barcelona Stars Shine in Champions League Victory
Gavi, the 20-year-old Barcelona midfielder, made an appearance during Barcelona’s impressive 3-1 victory over Benfica in the Champions League round of 16 at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. With this win, Barcelona secured a 4-1 aggregate victory and advanced to the next round of the prestigious European competition.
While Gavi contributed to the team’s performance, it was Raphinha and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal who truly dominated the match with their exceptional skills:
- Raphinha scored twice and provided an assist
- Yamal, just 17, netted a sensational first-half strike
- The Brazilian winger has now accumulated 46 goal contributions in 41 appearances this season
Former Bayern Munich and Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves highlighted Raphinha’s exceptional form on TNT Sports, stating: “You can argue that with his numbers this season, Raphinha’s in contention for the Ballon d’Or. His finishing has been out of this world; he’s captain of the club, and he’s been an absolute revelation.”
Hargreaves further compared Raphinha to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah: “Salah and Raphinha have similar numbers in terms of goals and assists, which is quite remarkable. You have to win the big trophies. If you win the big ones, then you’ve got a chance. I think right now it’s probably Salah, but Raphina is very close.”
Gavi’s Surprising Ballon d’Or Pick
Despite the standout performances from Raphinha and Yamal, Gavi surprisingly named another Barcelona teammate as his choice for the prestigious award. “Nobody deserves the Ballon d’Or more than Pedri, everyone knows what kind of a player he is,” Gavi told reporters after Tuesday’s fixture.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or race offers a unique scenario, as there are no major international tournaments this summer to influence voting. This differs from last year when Manchester City’s Rodri edged out Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr after helping Spain win Euro 2024 while also lifting the Premier League trophy with his club.
Pedri, 22, is already no stranger to individual accolades, having claimed both the Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy award in 2021. However, his career trajectory has been hampered by recurring injury issues, though his exceptional talent remains undeniable when fit.
| Player | Age | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Raphinha | 28 | 46 goal contributions in 41 matches this season |
| Lamine Yamal | 17 | Rising star, consistent performances in Champions League |
| Pedri | 22 | Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy (2021) |
The Spanish midfielder previously discussed his Ballon d’Or ambitions with SPORT in 2022: “I hope I have the opportunity to be [a winner], it is a very complicated prize. You must be the best in the world, I have a lot to learn and improve so that this day can come.”
As Barcelona continues their impressive Champions League campaign, the performances of these talented midfielders and attackers will undoubtedly factor into the Ballon d’Or conversation. With club success potentially weighing heavily in this year’s voting without international tournaments, Barcelona’s trophy haul could prove decisive for any of their stars’ chances at football’s most prestigious individual honor.
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