Raphinha talks Lamine, Neymar, Barcelona, future – ‘Not winning Ballon d’Or was a personal disappointment’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona key winger and one of the club captains, Raphinha, features on the latest cover of GQ Hype.

The Brazilian forward spoke candidly in an interview with the magazine, where he admitted to feeling deep disappointment at not winning the most recent Ballon d’Or, while touching on several other topics.

On his form and Ballon d’Or disappointment

Kicking things off, Raphinha reflected on his form last season as he enjoyed one of his career-best campaigns, helping Barcelona win the domestic treble. The 28-year-old also started the current season strongly before being sidelined with an injury.

“The 2024/25 season was very special, with consistent performances, important goals, and individual accolades, and starting the 2025/26 season strongly has given me even more confidence,” he said.

Reflecting on his growth as a player during this period, the winger added: “What makes this moment so unique is the combination of technical growth, accumulated experience, and mental balance.

“Today I feel that I can play with more freedom, read the game better, and handle pressure in a more mature way.”

As such, the disappointment of missing out on the 2025 Ballon d’Or back in September remains fresh. After all, Raphinha finished fifth in the rankings, with Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal, and Vitinha taking the podium.

“It was a personal disappointment. When you give so much, work every day, and feel that you had an incredible season, naturally you expect to be among the very best. Finishing fifth was an honour, of course, but my expectations were higher.”

On life at Barcelona, playing with Lamine Yamal

Raphinha, who arrived in Catalonia in 2022 from Leeds United, also recalled the challenge of adapting to life at Barcelona and the demands that came with joining such a historic club.

“The most difficult thing was the pressure and the expectations. Barcelona are a giant, and arriving here meant having to prove my worth immediately,” he noted.

The forward also addressed the idea of a supposed rivalry with teammate Lamine Yamal, something he dismissed entirely.

“No, that rivalry simply does not exist. What really exists between us is a mutual desire to perform at our best, to push each other, and to help the team succeed. We challenge each other on the pitch, but always in a constructive way, never personal,” he said.

Raphinha sees Lamine as a family member. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

“Outside football, our relationship is very strong. We share laughs, experiences, and support each other on and off the pitch. I feel as if Lamine is family,” Raphinha further stressed.

Raphinha then went on to make his love for Barcelona very clear, as he revealed he would love to retire at the club if it were possible.

“Yes, I would love to. Barcelona are a club that has given me a lot, that welcomed me at a very important moment in my career, and where I feel at home,” confirmed Raphinha.

“If circumstances allow, it would be an honour to spend the rest of my career here, winning titles, helping the younger players, and leaving my mark on the club’s history. But I also know that football is unpredictable, so I try to live in the present.

“For now, my focus is on giving my best every day in this shirt and letting the future take its course.”

On Brazil and the World Cup

Raphinha also spoke about what it would mean to win the 2026 World Cup with Brazil, a dream that has driven him since childhood.

“Winning the World Cup with Brazil would be the greatest dream of my career. Since I was a child, playing barefoot in the streets of Restinga, I dreamed of that moment: representing my country on the biggest stage and fighting for the most important title that exists. It is a daily motivation,” he said.

“Playing for Brazil is a great honour, but it also brings great pressure. Football in Brazil really is like a religion, and expectations are always extremely high.”

When asked about the players he admires most, Raphinha did not hesitate to mention one name in particular – Barcelona and Brazil icon Neymar.

“If I had to choose one, I would say Neymar. Seeing up close the way he understands the game, his intelligence, his simplicity, and how he effortlessly does things that seem impossible to others… it is simply on another level.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo