Raphinha Is Producing, But Why Is Yamal Getting the Ballon d’Or Spotlight?

Barcelona's attack has turned into a two-player story, but their Ballon d'Or story is still one-sided.

Lamine Yamal is no doubt the face of Barcelona, but for the last three seasons, what Raphinha has been putting together statistically is a hard argument to ignore.

The Brazilian has been able to do it all - goals, assists, chance creation, and finishing efficiency - to make him one of Barcelona's most consistent players.

Yamal is different; he gives something more: creativity, progressive carries, elite dribbling and moments that are immediately attention-grabbing.

Both are exceptional. But the question remains - is the Ballon d'Or discussion really taking into account what Raphinha is actually producing?

Raphinha's consistent and vital role in Barcelona's attack

Raphinha's consistency has been one of the most important things in Barcelona's attack in the last three seasons.

He scored 18 goals and dished out nine assists in 2024-25 and was also one of the top chance creators in Europe. Despite a bit of rotation in the squad, he had 13 goals and three assists in La Liga last season (2025-26), and still had an xG and xA above 0.80 per 90.

His start to 2026-27 has taken that production to another level.

Raphinha has registered 12 goals and three assists in his seven La Liga starts, and his xG sits at around eight, and his shot volume is over 3.5 per 90.

Those are more than just hot streaks.

This season, and just like every other season, Raphinha is getting into dangerous positions, creating opportunities, and consistently finishing them. These spectacular, repeated footballing attributes and delivery are more than just mere contributions to Barcelona; it should be an important point to keep in mind in a Ballon d'Or discussion.

Yamal's Numbers Tell a Different Story

Yamal's case is based on a particular set of qualities.

Lamine Yamal in motion

His goal contribution has improved greatly. His main strengths are still his ability to carry the ball beat defenders, and make chances for teammates. In 2024-25, he created 64 chances in La Liga as a player, while his dribbling numbers became even better the next season.

Yamal made more than 100 successful take-ons during the 2025-26 season and ended the league season with 16 goals and 11 assists. He also has a total of 7 goals and 4 assists in 7 La Liga starts this season.

His creative influence has also stayed strong this season with more than 5.5 progressive carries per 90 minutes and a continued ability to make chances from tough spots.

There is no doubt he changes how Barcelona attack.

Yamal can get the ball with two defenders near him, beat both and quickly turn a possession into a dangerous attack. His ability to make something out of nothing is part of what makes him such an obvious Ballon d’Or candidate.

So this strength also explains why his performances get much attention and shows that he is not just Fati hype.

Barcelona Has Always Loved the Eye Test

Yes, Barcelona fans are in love with players that can play with the ball efficiently.

After the dominating era of Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi, whose extraordinary dribbles, carries, finishing, and passes captivated the fans and the club's heart, they have imprinted those qualities into their identity. That is to say, the club will easily elevate or promote players whose technical ability with the ball can be seen immediately.

Yamal fits naturally into that tradition.

His age makes the story even bigger. A teenager producing numbers while beating experienced defenders and creating chances at the highest level is naturally going to generate more attention than a player whose biggest strength is consistently finishing attacks.

But Raphinha does not offer fewer footballing attributes because his brilliance is less theatrical.

His style of play is just built differently.

While Yamal can produce the moment that dominates highlights, Raphinha has repeatedly produced the action that changes the scoreline. His finishing, movement, and shot selection give Barcelona a level of efficiency that creativity alone cannot provide.

The Ballon d'Or Question Should Not Be About Choosing One

The biggest mistake would be to treat Raphinha and Yamal as if they're in opposition.

They are not.

Lamine Yamal and Raphinha doing their duo celebration

Barcelona's attack becomes the most dangerous when both players are playing at this level. Yamal’s talent for creating chances opens up spaces for Raphinha to attack while Raphinha’s movement and sharp finishing give Yamal an assist for his creativity.

If both players keep performing like this throughout the season, Barcelona should not have to choose between them. Yamal can grow into the face of the next generation while Raphinha continues to stand as the team’s most ruthless finisher. One brings the excitement the other delivers the results. Both help the team succeed in ways.

The danger comes when one player’s story begins to drown out the other’s contributions. Raphinha has worked hard over the years to reach a season like this. Now he is among the best players in the world. Based on form, he is clearly Barcelona’s top player.

When the next Ballon d'Or comes around, Barcelona’s PR team should promote Raphinha just as they do with Yamal. If possible, the club should put both players forward for the award. Let the best performer win.

The lack of attention from Barcelona’s PR team toward Raphinha is probably one reason he didn’t make the 30 Ballon d'Or shortlist this year.