Raphinha backs Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal to win at LEAST three Ballons d'Or while playing down his own chances of scooping prestigious prize

Raphinha and Yamal have both been in stellar form for Hansi Flick's Barcelona this season and it would be no surprise to see both players in the running for the 2025 Ballon d'Or award. Yamal picked up the Kopa Trophy last year, given to the best Under-21 player, and finished eighth in the Golden Ball standings. The 17-year-old has already admitted he's targeting the Ballon d'Or and has regularly been tipped to claim the most prestigious individual prize in football during his career.

Yet Raphinha has also emerged as a contender during a season where he's taken on the captain's armband at Barca, due to Marc-Andre ter Stegen's long-term injury, and regularly proved to be an inspirational figure. The Brazilian has 11 goals and six assists in 19 La Liga games and also scored twice in Barcelona's Super Cup final win over Real Madrid last time out.

In an interview with Adri Contreras, Raphinha said: "Lamine is going to win quite a few Ballons d’Or… let us say three."

Raphinha then played down his own chances of being crowned the best player on the planet: "My goal is to be a better version of myself every day. If it happens, fine, but what matters to me are the collective titles."

More trophies may need to be delivered this season at Barcelona if Yamal or Raphinha are to lift the Ballon d'Or. The Catalans go in search of more silverware on Wednesday against Real Betis in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey.