Leeds United hero Raphinha did not win the Ballon d’Or this week, but the Barcelona forward was one of the favourites for the award.
Leeds United have had quality players throughout their history, but perhaps none more so than Raphinha. He’s hit another level since swapping England for Spain as well.
Raphinha was a serious contender to win the Ballon d’Or on Monday night. He’s been that impressive that Barcelona and Arsenal icon Thierry Henry believed Raphinha would win the Ballon d’Or.
Leeds fans were fuming with Raphinha’s final placing but perhaps nowhere near as much as Neymar. Brazilian football legend Neymar was also frustrated about Raphinha’s position.
- READ MORE: Daniel Farke’s claim on Leeds United ace has been emphatically debunked following latest development
Raphinha’s voting explained at Ballon d’Or
Gary Lineker thinks Dembele deserved it over Raphinha. But many believed he should have been higher, even if he was not the worthiest winner overall.
It wasn’t a total waste of an evening for the former Leeds superstar, with Raphinha meeting Ronaldinho at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. He is a hero for Raphinha.
Raphinha only wanted to follow in the footsteps of Ronaldinho by joining Barcelona. Despite other offers, Raphinha wouldn’t leave Leeds for anyone else.
Raphinha was predicted to finish fifth in Ballon d’Or voting by experts, prior to Monday. In the end, despite many of the predictions for others being wrong Raphinha did actually end up in fifth for the Ballon d’Or.
He was behind the likes of Mo Salah and Ousmane Dembele. Fabrizio Romano’s reveal showcases the votes Raphinha got in the end. His 620 less than half of Dembele’s 1,380, while Lamine Yamal had 1,059, Vitinha 703, and Mo Salah 657.
L’Equipe have revealed more details, explaining that three criteria are taken into account in order of importance: 1. Individual performance, decisiveness and impressiveness. 2. Team performance and track record. 3. Class and fair play.
Then, it is explained that each jury appoints ten players in descending order of merit. The ten named are respectively awarded 15, 12, 10, eight, seven, five, four, three, two, and one points.
The report states eight players were named in first by one juror or another, but Raphinha was never named in top spot by any of the 100 jurors involved in Ballon d’Or voting.
- READ MORE: Jayden Bogle boost timely as Leeds United star best in the Premier League in one key area
Wayne Rooney’s reaction to Raphinha not winning the Ballon d’Or
Per Daily Sports, Wayne Rooney is alleged to have spoken after the ceremony regarding Raphinha’s final placing. Like others, Rooney was not impressed on TNT Sports.
“Is this a joke, seriously? How can Raphinha be fifth while Vitinha is third? Raphinha led his team in crucial moments, played with passion and heart, and gave us magical nights. If that’s not worthy of the Ballon d’Or, then what is? In my opinion, he should be number one.
“How can Barcelona fans promote Yamal when Raphinha is clearly the better candidate? Honestly, I think he needs to change clubs and find a team where the fans will respect him and not undervalue him just because he’s not Spanish.”
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
