The Ballon d’Or has never been more divisive. While Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, and Kylian Mbappé dominate the shortlist for the 2026 award, former Barcelona boss Quique Setién has delivered a damning verdict: Raphinha is the world’s best player right now—and the omission of the Brazilian from the final three is a travesty.
Setién, who led Barcelona to La Liga glory in 2023, has never been one to mince words. In a direct challenge to the award’s selectors, he declared, ‘There’s no need to overthink it. I’d give it to Raphinha right now.’ His confidence is not unfounded. Raphinha’s 2025-26 season at Barcelona has been nothing short of revolutionary. His dribbling, playmaking, and clinical finishing—particularly in Europe’s biggest games—have redefined his status. Yet, despite his dominance, he was excluded from the shortlist, a decision that has sparked outrage among his peers.
Raphinha himself has not held back. Speaking to the press, he accused the award’s selectors of unfairness, insisting that Pedri and Lamine Yamal—both of whom have been celebrated for their youth and potential—should not overshadow his own contributions. ‘Lamine has to win the prize,’ Raphinha declared, arguing that Yamal’s individual numbers, team trophies, and ‘magic’ justify his case. But Raphinha’s frustration is not just about Yamal; it’s about the broader perception of his own impact. Carlo Ancelotti, another former Barcelona manager, has gone further, vowing to vote for Raphinha in the final ballot, calling him the ‘best player in the world right now.’
The contradiction is stark. Raphinha’s numbers speak for themselves: a La Liga top scorer, a Champions League playmaker of the highest order, and a player whose influence extends beyond statistics. Yet, the Ballon d’Or’s selectors have chosen to ignore him in favor of a trio whose cases—while strong—are not as universally compelling. The question now is whether the award’s reputation will suffer further, or if Raphinha’s supporters will force a reckoning in the final vote. One thing is certain: the debate has only just begun.
