Barcelona star names teammate & three Real Madrid stars as Ballon d’Or contenders | OneFootball

Barcelona star Raphinha has on Tuesday unveiled his personal list of contenders for the next Ballon d’Or, including players from both Hansi Flick’s Blaugrana squad, and arch rivals Real Madrid.

The subject of the upcoming Ballon d’Or has of course long proven a headline talking point across the Spanish media.

This comes chiefly owing to the ongoing brilliance of a number of Barcelona’s stars, amid the club’s pursuit of a historic treble.

From Hansi Flick’s Blaugrana squad, the likes of Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Pedri are all considered as being amongst the frontrunners for the prestigious prize.

It will in turn no doubt come as a source of interest to hear of one of this trio this week providing his take on the race to be named world football’s best player.

Speaking during an interview with journalist Isabela Pagliari, as cited by Marca, Raphinha was asked for his Ballon d’Or candidates.

And the Brazilian, selfishly leaving himself off the shortlist, responded:

“Look at Lamine first, Salah, Mbappé too… Pedri for me is one of the best players in the world, by far, but unfortunately he’s not at the level he is, and today’s football is all about numbers. Vini for me is always a candidate even if his numbers are slightly below last year’s, and of course Rodrygo could be considered.”

Conor Laird – GSFN