Ballon d'or: Diego Simeone raves about Raphinha after defeat to Barça

Europe 03 December 2025 at 05:03

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Raphinha

02.12.25 FT LaLiga Spain

Barcelona

Atletico Madrid

Atlético Madrid suffered a defeat on Tuesday night against Raphinha’s FC Barcelona. Diego Simeone was captivated by the Brazilian international’s performance.

FC Barcelona secured a 3-1 victory over Atlético Madrid on Tuesday night in La Liga. At the final whistle, Atlético coach Diego Simeone—long an admirer of Raphinha’s style—once again heaped praise on the Brazilian. Speaking to Movistar+, Simeone admitted he couldn’t understand how the Barça player had never won the Ballon d’Or.

“Raphinha plays every match. He scores goals, he presses... I don’t understand how he hasn’t won the Ballon d’Or,” the Argentine manager said.

🚨🌕 Diego Simeone: “I have no idea how Raphinha did not win the Ballon d'Or”.

“He is an incredible player. He can play everywhere. As a winger, as a midfielder, as a striker, or even as a wing back."

“He can score, he can create, he presses and runs. I love Raphinha’”. pic.twitter.com/WBnWDwiUFi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 3, 2025

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.