In an exclusive conversation on Sofascore’s video series “A Guest and a Half”, hosted by Isabela Pagliari, Raphinha spoke openly about two major themes shaping his year: the Ballon d’Or debate and his preparation for the upcoming World Cup with Brazil.
The Barcelona winger also shared insights on working with Carlo Ancelotti, his evolution as a player, and why he has no plans to become a coach after retiring.
“I would place myself first” – Raphinha on the Ballon d’Or
Raphinha did not hide his disappointment with the award. After one of the strongest seasons of his career, he expected to be among the finalists.
“I was upset. I expected to be in the top three at least,” he said.
Asked where he would rank himself, he was even more direct: “I would place myself first. An individual award cannot be based on a single competition. For the titles I won, the numbers I achieved, and everything I contributed, I think I deserved to win.”
He still praised the year of other contenders, noting that Dembélé and Lamine Yamal “had spectacular seasons.”
Despite the Ballon d’Or outcome, Raphinha’s performances were recognised through objective data. Thanks to his season-long consistency, he received two Sofascore Player of the Season trophies, awards based solely on performance and rating, not popularity votes. He was named Best Player of LaLiga (Sofascore Rating 7.80) and Best Player of the Champions League (Sofascore Rating 8.24).
A second World Cup and the responsibility of wearing Brazil’s shirt
Raphinha described the journey toward another World Cup as both intense and surreal: “Before my first call-up, I never imagined wearing the national team shirt. Reaching a second World Cup requires four years of absurd consistency,” he explained.
Injuries remain a concern, not because of fear, but because of how unpredictable they can be: “Some things you cannot control. What you can control is recovery, training well, and staying prepared physically and mentally.”
He also commented on Brazil’s group: Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland, urging respect for every opponent: “People think football today is like it was 15 years ago. It’s not. Every team deserves respect. If we think we can just step on the pitch and win because of the shirt… we won’t.”
Working with Ancelotti and reconnecting with the national team
Raphinha spoke highly of Carlo Ancelotti’s influence since taking over the Seleção: “He surprised me a lot. The way he works, the way he stays close to players, it makes a huge difference. After his arrival, we started reconnecting again.”
The winger believes Brazil still has room to grow and sees Ancelotti as a key part of that evolution.
A new Barça identity and Flick’s influence
Now one of Barcelona’s captains, Raphinha highlighted the importance of Hansi Flick in his growth and in the team’s resurgence. “Flick was the one who practically made me have the best season of my career. He gave me confidence when I think no one else did – not even myself,” he explained.
He also addressed the moment caught on camera where he was seen consoling Flick on the touchline: “It’s a natural relationship. Over time we built trust and a freedom to talk about anything.”
Reflecting on last season, in which Barça won all domestic titles, he added: “It was a season of excellence. We missed something in the Champions League, but the level was incredible.”
Future plans, and no coaching
Asked about life after football, Raphinha was crystal clear: “Coaching? No way. The coach’s life is too demanding. You arrive before everyone, leave after everyone, and practically live in hotels. It’s not fair to your family.”
He remains open to other roles in football but says becoming a manager would be “the last option.”
Self-reflection and mindset
Raphinha also rated himself across Sofascore’s football attributes, a moment that revealed his self-demand and drive for improvement. He didn’t shy away from admitting his flaws: “I’m very self-critical. Sometimes I relax in moments I shouldn’t. Today I see myself more as a playmaker, someone who thinks fast and positions well.”
Asked about his ambitions for 2026, he made his priorities clear: “Win the World Cup.”
For Raphinha, everything else, club titles, performances, daily work, feeds into that goal. It is the centre of his plans and the standard he sets for the year ahead.
And this is only part one of the interview,with part two coming soon.
