Neymar Slams Ballon d’Or Organisers Over Raphinha Snub, Calls Ranking “A Joke”
Former Barcelona star Neymar has publicly criticised the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings after his compatriot Raphinha was placed fifth, calling the decision “a joke” and taking a swipe at France Football’s judgment.
Raphinha had been widely tipped as a serious contender for the top spots after delivering one of his strongest seasons yet for Barcelona, contributing heavily to their domestic success. Yet, despite the expectations, he finished behind Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, Vitinha, and Mohamed Salah.
Reacting to an Instagram post showing the Ballon d’Or top-10 list, Neymar wrote:
“Raphinha in 5th is too much of a joke.”
His comments have reignited debate about transparency and fairness in the award’s selection process.
Context: The 2025 Ballon d’Or Rankings
Ousmane Dembélé took the top spot, becoming the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner.
Lamine Yamal secured second place, earning praise for his performances this season.
Vitinha and Mohamed Salah followed in third and fourth respectively.
Raphinha, despite his impressive form, was placed fifth.
Many observers believed Raphinha’s statistics and influence during the campaign warranted a higher finish, fueling Neymar’s vocal dissatisfaction.
Reactions and Implications
Neymar’s rebuke is among the loudest criticisms of the ranking this year. Other voices have also expressed surprise, particularly regarding the placements of Barcelona players.
The controversy spotlights ongoing debates over subjectivity in individual football awards. As fans and pundits dissect the choices, Neymar’s public stance underscores the emotional stakes attached to such recognitions.