Raphinha opens up on Ballon d’Or disappointment ahead of Chelsea vs Barcelona – ‘I deserved much more’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona lock horns with Chelsea tonight in the UEFA Champions League, knowing that a defeat could further damage their chances of securing a top-eight finish in the league phase.

The Blaugrana have already dropped points in two games, first losing to PSG and then being held to a draw by Club Brugge, leaving them with very little margin for error.

The good news is that the Catalans have recovered one of their most important players, Raphinha, from injury, with the Brazilian making his comeback against Athletic Club as a late substitute.

On his return to England, where he played for Leeds United in the past, Raphinha accompanied Barça manager Hansi Flick for the pre-match press conference late last evening.

And the Brazilian international could not hide his joy at being able to play again after nearly two months out.

“Honestly, just being back on the pitch is special for me. I’ve been out for two months, and that’s pretty tough. It’s been hard because I always love to play,” he said.

“I’ve played here a few times; it’s a stadium I love, and it’s special to be back. If I play, I hope to help the team.”

The common feeling during Raphinha’s absence has been that Barcelona have lacked the same intensity when it comes to pressing from the front. When asked if he felt that too, the winger replied:

“I’ve missed the team more than they’ve missed me. I always try to give my best on the pitch. I’m often the one who starts by pressing and encouraging the guys. I try to help everyone; if I give my best, I can demand more from the team.”

Regarding his injury and rehabilitation, the former Leeds man reflected: “I had a really tough time. It was a difficult period. I always want to be on the pitch helping the team, and going two months without playing was a tough time for me personally.

“I need to get back into match fitness after two months. I hope to return soon to the version of myself that people expect.”

Discussing his relapses that delayed his return, Raphinha added: “It’s possible. I’ve had two relapses; the first was my fault, and I can take responsibility for the second as well.

“I take responsibility for both relapses to try and get back on the field sooner. I made a mistake.”

Discussing how he tried to help during his time out injured, Raphinha noted: “What I do to help the team, I do for myself and the team, not so people can say I’m a leader.

“I’m someone who tries to be attentive to everything, and that’s why I brought them the water bottle onto the field. I’ve had a worse time in the stands than on the bench.”

Raphinha enjoyed an exceptional season in 2024/25 and was a key protagonist in Barcelona’s domestic treble win, racking up huge numbers.

Yet he finished outside the top three in the 2025 Ballon d’Or, and the winger made it clear that he felt he was underappreciated when it came to the individual honours.

“I deserved much more. I felt undervalued, yes. As a team, I missed out on the Champions League. I don’t control individual awards. I had a spectacular season, and for me, that’s enough,” he said.

Raphinha believes he deserved more after his excellent last season. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

On being asked why he thought he did not win those honours, Raphinha added: “Other people vote. You’re the ones [the press] who need to explain things to me. I’m just focused on improving my game, that’s all.”

Talking about whether Barcelona are among the favourites to win the Champions League, he remarked:

“I’ve always said that the main objective has to be winning the Champions League, and since I arrived, I’ve repeated the same thing in every interview. I see the team as more mature than last season; we approach situations differently.

“It’s a tough competition, but we’ll give everything to win it.”

On whether winning at Stamford Bridge tonight can be a turning point for Barcelona, given they have not had the best memories on their recent visits to Chelsea’s home ground, he noted:

“Every season is different. The last time Barça played here, there had been a lot of changes in terms of both players and the club. Last season we played some spectacular matches on difficult pitches.

“The team that makes the fewest mistakes will win. It will be a spectacular match between two great teams; the one that makes the fewest mistakes will likely take the victory.”

Prior to his move to Barcelona, Chelsea had shown a strong interest in Raphinha. So, when asked if he ever considered moving to Stamford Bridge, the winger replied:

“I had a dream, and that was to wear the Barça shirt. I believed, and today I’m here wearing the Barça shirt.”

Raphinha plays with one of the best young footballers in the world in Lamine Yamal at Barcelona, while he also gets to see from close the rise of Chelsea’s Estevao in the Brazil setup. Talking about the teenage duo, he noted:

“For me, they are two footballers of a spectacular level. I believe the next few years of their careers will be the best in the world. They are two tremendous talents; being at the top depends on them and nothing else. They are on the right track.

“I try to help them with the experience I have in football, but the talent is theirs. They are talents that will soar for many years.”

Concluding, Raphinha stated that missing out on the Top-8 would not spell an end to Barcelona’s Champions League ambitions, saying:

“You can win the Champions League without finishing in the top eight. PSG did it last season.”

Source: AS