Raphinha backs Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal for Ballon d'Or
The short version
- Raphinha said Yamal should win the Ballon d'Or "without a doubt."
- He cited Yamal's statistics, trophies and importance to Barcelona and Spain.
- Yamal has won two of three titles with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain, per Raphinha.
- Raphinha said he would back Yamal even if they were not teammates.
The Barcelona captain says the teenage winger's statistics, trophies and importance to club and country make him the clear choice for the award.
Barcelona captain Raphinha has given his firm backing to teammate Lamine Yamal for this year's Ballon d'Or. In an interview with The Guardian, cited by Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian was asked whether Yamal was the right candidate for the prize and replied, "Without a doubt, yes."
Raphinha said the award comes down to a mix of individual numbers, team honours and the qualities a player brings on the pitch, and argued Yamal checks every box. He also pointed to the teenager's consistency, noting strong statistics not only last season but in the previous campaign and a strong start to the current one.
The captain added that Yamal has won two of three titles with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain, and stressed that he is a central figure for both his club and his national team. "For me, there's no doubt about it: he has to win the award, no matter what," Raphinha said.
Raphinha acknowledged that rival players and supporters would have their own preferences but said his own view was clear. He also rejected the idea that he backs Yamal only as a teammate, arguing the winger's performances and trophy record would make him a favorite regardless. "For me, he's the favourite; he has to win it," he concluded.
