Neymar Slams Ballon d’Or Organizers Over Raphinha’s Fifth-Place Finish

Santos forward Neymar has criticized the organizers of the 2025 Ballon d’Or following Barcelona winger Raphinha’s fifth-place ranking.

The 33-year-old expressed his disapproval after Ousmane Dembélé was crowned winner ahead of Lamine Yamal on Monday night, with Vitinha and Mohamed Salah also finishing above Raphinha.

Taking to Instagram, Neymar described the outcome as “a huge joke,” insisting his fellow Brazilian deserved more recognition.

Raphinha enjoyed a stellar season with Barcelona, playing a key role in their LaLiga and Copa del Rey triumphs. The former Leeds United star was one of the club’s standout performers, delivering 56 goal contributions in 57 appearances for the Blaugrana.