Podcast Summary: "Is Raphinha the Ballon d’Or Favourite?"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Athletic FC Podcast
• Host: Ayo Akinwolere
• Episode: Is Raphinha the Ballon d’Or Favourite?
• Release Date: March 19, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Ayo Akinwolere delves into the remarkable season of Raphinha at Barcelona, exploring his potential as a Ballon d’Or contender. Joining Ayo are analysts Thomas Hill, Phil Hay, and guest contributors Jack Lang and Laia Sarbero Herrero, who provide in-depth insights into Rafinha’s performance, impact, and future prospects.

Rafinha’s Stellar Performance and Statistics

Ayo opens the discussion by highlighting Rafinha's exceptional contributions to Barcelona this season.

Ayo Akinwolere (01:36): "Rafinha is having an incredible season at Barcelona. This could be the hat trick for Rafinha."

Phil Hay (02:45) emphasizes Rafinha’s outstanding statistics:

"Rafinha was involved in two of Barca's goals as they came from behind to beat Atletico 42 on the weekend. His tally is an incredible 45 goal contributions in 42 appearances in all competitions."

Phil further elaborates on Rafinha's development and consistency:

"His numbers are so good across goals and assists that he will be part of the reckoning and he will attract some votes."

Playing Style and Impact on the Field

Phil Hay provides a comprehensive analysis of Rafinha's playing style and his evolution into a world-class player.

Phil Hay (02:46): "Rafinha strikes me as quite a classic winger, a bit like something out of the 1990s with definite, you know, 21st-century traits as well."

Phil compares Rafinha to past legends and highlights his key attributes:

"His pace is so extreme that trying to maintain him is pretty thankless... his touch is superior to other players. It's so clean and you really can see that."

He praises Rafinha's knack for scoring crucial goals:

"Those shots from distance... are a bit of a trademark for him. It's like Peter said, too clean. And I think as they would say in the U.S., he goes down as a clutch player."

Ballon d’Or Contention

The conversation shifts to Rafinha's potential candidacy for the Ballon d’Or, contingent on Barcelona's success this season.

Ayo Akinwolere (04:58): "If Barca end up winning the Champions League and he also ends up winning La Liga this season, surely he's got to be one of the top contenders for the Ballon d’Or."

Phil Hay (05:10) agrees, linking Rafinha's individual brilliance with the team's achievements:

"His numbers are so good across goals and assists that he will be part of the reckoning and he will attract some votes."

Phil contemplates Barcelona's potential treble and Rafinha's role in it:

"Barca have it all in front of them. They could do the treble between the Copa del Reyes, La Liga, and the Champions League."

Leadership and Overcoming Challenges

Thomas Hill discusses Rafinha’s resilience and leadership qualities, especially amidst Barcelona's financial turmoil.

Thomas Hill (06:19): "Rafinha arrives from Leeds in 2022 for 55 million pounds... there was a lot of pressure that made him think of leaving."

Despite the challenges, Rafinha has risen as a key leader:

"To rise above that and to become not just a key player, but an absolute leader in this team, a captain as voted for by his teammates. It's huge."

Ayo further explores Rafinha’s leadership role:

"Barcelona were willing to listen to offers to him... But Rafinha himself deserves credit for backing himself."

Rafinha’s Role in the Brazil National Team

Jack Lang provides insights into Rafinha’s standing in Brazilian football and his impact on the national team.

Jack Lang (10:36): "Rafinha has a better goal record than both Vinicius and Rodrygo. He also has something that Brazilians really appreciate—grit and determination."

Jack highlights Rafinha’s ability to step up in crucial moments:

"When things get really tricky, he is someone who will use that as fuel and he'll really step up rather than perhaps fade away."

Rafinha’s Transfer to Barcelona Amid Financial Struggles

The podcast delves into the nuances of Rafinha’s transfer from Leeds to Barcelona during a financially challenging period for the club.

Thomas Hill (07:30): "Rafinha was less than £20 million and... a debut at Leeds was pretty much all it took for all of us to say, wait a minute, this looks good."

Phil Hay reflects on the value Rafinha brings to Barcelona:

"Like a lot of Brazilians or the best Brazilians, he seems to have total faith in how high he can climb, which seems to be pretty much right to the top."

Tactical Adaptations Under Hansi Flick

Laia Sarbero Herrero discusses how Barcelona's manager, Hansi Flick, has tactically utilized Rafinha to maximize his strengths.

Laia Sarbero Herrero (20:07): "Hansi has found a place for him on the team... Raphinha can have the freedom to just treat the side or to go more on the inside."

Rafinha's versatility is highlighted as a key asset:

"Playing as a pure winger, he likes to play more on the inside, allowing teammates like Balde to provide more coverage defensively."

Rafinha’s Leadership and Captaincy at Barcelona

Laia elaborates on Rafinha’s unexpected rise to captaincy and his role as a bridge between the young and veteran players.

Laia Sarbero Herrero (21:38): "He is the balance between the youngsters and the older players... he can relate to younger players but also has the experience the team needed."

Rafinha’s commitment to the club is evident:

"He was asked to sign a Real Madrid shirt and he was like, no, you have to respect that I'm from Barcelona."

Barcelona's Current Season and Prospects

Phil Hay and Thomas Hill analyze Barcelona’s prospects in the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey, considering Rafinha’s contributions.

Phil Hay (30:22): "If [key players] Rafinha and Yamal have got to stay fit, but if they do, I'm not instantly picking out a team who are going to beat them in this Champions League."

Thomas Hill compares the current Barcelona squad to past iterations:

"It's something special that Flick's creating. With players like Yamal, Raphinha, and Lewandowski, their meetings have become box office again."

Phil emphasizes the importance of winning major trophies to elevate Barcelona's status:

"For this particular Barca team to resonate, they need to win the big trophies and they need to do the business in a season like this one where it's all in front of them."

Rafinha’s Impact Compared to Past Legends

The panel discusses how Rafinha's current form stacks up against legendary Barcelona forwards.

Thomas Hill (33:43): "It's hard to get up to the likes of Henry, Messi, or Suarez, but Flick's creating something special."

Phil Hay reflects on Rafinha’s potential legacy:

"Raphinha, Yamal, Lewandowski would fit into a lot of very, very top-class Barcelona lineups... it's something special that Flick's creating."

Conclusion

The podcast concludes with a consensus that Rafinha has not only transformed himself into a crucial player for Barcelona but also emerged as a potential Ballon d’Or candidate. His leadership, consistency, and exceptional performance have positioned him as a central figure in Barcelona's quest for a historic treble. The panel remains optimistic about Rafinha's future and Barcelona's prospects in the ongoing season.

Notable Quotes:

• Phil Hay (02:45): "Rafinha was involved in two of Barca's goals as they came from behind to beat Atletico 42 on the weekend. His tally is an incredible 45 goal contributions in 42 appearances in all competitions."

• Phil Hay (02:46): "Rafinha strikes me as quite a classic winger, a bit like something out of the 1990s with definite, you know, 21st-century traits as well."

• Ayo Akinwolere (04:58): "If Barca end up winning the Champions League and he also ends up winning La Liga this season, surely he's got to be one of the top contenders for the Ballon d’Or."

• Thomas Hill (06:19): "To rise above that and to become not just a key player, but an absolute leader in this team, a captain as voted for by his teammates. It's huge."

• Jack Lang (10:36): "Rafinha has a better goal record than both Vinicius and Rodrygo. He also has something that Brazilians really appreciate—grit and determination."

• Laia Sarbero Herrero (20:07): "Hansi has found a place for him on the team... Raphinha can have the freedom to just treat the side or to go more on the inside."

• Phil Hay (30:22): "If [key players] Rafinha and Yamal have got to stay fit, but if they do, I'm not instantly picking out a team who are going to beat them in this Champions League."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from The Athletic FC Podcast episode on Rafinha's exceptional season and his potential as a Ballon d’Or favorite. Through expert analysis and insightful commentary, the podcast highlights Rafinha's transformative impact on Barcelona and his rising prominence in both club and international football.