Barcelona Star Shocks Football World by Outranking Raphinha in Stunning 2025 Ballon d'Or Predictions

Barcelona's presence in the 2025 Ballon d'Or rankings expanded significantly, with Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal all securing positions within the top 20.

In contrast to the previous year when Yamal was Barcelona's sole representative among the 30 nominees, the club now enjoys enhanced recognition following a campaign that delivered Spain's first-ever domestic treble in the club's history.

Lewandowski secured 17th position while Pedri claimed 11th place, both having been absent from nominations the year before. Raphinha earned his debut Ballon d'Or shortlist appearance with a fifth-place finish. Yamal narrowly missed becoming the youngest-ever Ballon d'Or champion, placing second behind Ousmané Dembélé.

Despite missing out on football's most coveted individual honor, Yamal improved significantly from his 2024 eighth-place showing and secured his second straight Kopa Trophy.

Following a season where only Yamal represented Barcelona on the men's 2024 Ballon d'Or shortlist, Lewandowski, Pedri and Raphinha have joined him after an exceptional 2024–25 campaign, both on individual and team levels.

A revitalized Lewandowski emerged as Barcelona's leading scorer in 2024–25, netting 42 goals across 52 matches for the Catalan giants. Many believed the striker's prime years were over after managing just 26 goals in all competitions during 2023–24.

Everything changed when Hansi Flick arrived at Barcelona. At 36 years old, Lewandowski rediscovered his peak form and delivered vintage performances. In La Liga alone, Lewandowski netted more goals (27) than his entire 2023–24 tally. His outstanding displays earned him 17th place in the Ballon d'Or rankings.

Pedri came close to breaking into the top 10. The midfield virtuoso enjoyed his finest professional season in 2024–25. He served as the driving force behind Barcelona's Spanish football supremacy, leading all Barcelona players with 59 appearances last season.

Raphinha was widely regarded as the frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d'Or for extended periods. The Brazilian enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, recording 59 goal contributions in 57 appearances for Barça while matching Cristiano Ronaldo's record for most goal contributions in a single Champions League season. Though Raphinha settled for fifth place, it represents his maiden inclusion in Ballon d'Or rankings.

Yamal emerged as Barcelona's most dazzling performer last season. Still a teenager, the Catalonia-born talent spent the entire 2024–25 campaign mesmerizing opponents. Yamal concluded the season with 43 goal contributions in just his second complete professional campaign.

Should Barcelona maintain their Spanish football dominance and break their Champions League title drought, the 2026 Ballon d'Or victor could well be a Blaugrana star.