Neymar has questioned the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings, branding it a “joke” that Raphinha finished below Mohamed Salah in fifth place.
Ousmane Dembele, nominated for the first time, lifted the prestigious award in Paris, beating Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal after a stunning year with PSG.
The 28-year-old forward helped his club to four trophies, including their historic Champions League triumph over Inter Milan, sealing a near-perfect campaign.
Dembele, who was also named Ligue 1 Player of the Year, fought back tears as he thanked his mother in an emotional speech, reports Metro.
As always, the Ballon d’Or sparked debate, with fans, pundits, and even players divided over whether the rankings truly reflected the year’s best.
Neymar Defends Raphinha’s Season
Barcelona and Brazil legend Neymar voiced his frustration on Instagram, blasting Raphinha’s ranking and insisting his compatriot deserved far more respect.
Replying to a post listing the top 10, Neymar wrote: “Raphinha in 5th is too much of a joke,” with laughing emojis.
Read Also: Yamal’s Father Blasts Dembele In Furious Rant Over Ballon d’Or
Raphinha himself had earlier admitted he and Yamal both “deserved” the award, praising his young teammate’s brilliance during a stellar Barcelona season.
After receiving the Ballon d’Or from Ronaldinho, Dembele praised PSG as “a family,” calling president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Luis Enrique father figures.
He also dedicated the award to his teammates, saying their collective achievements made his individual recognition possible after a remarkable campaign.
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