Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. has expressed his disappointment and frustration with the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings, specifically targeting Raphinha’s fifth-place finish. According to Neymar, Raphinha’s ranking is an “absolute joke,” sparking controversy and debate about the fairness of the voting process.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or Ceremony

The Ballon d’Or ceremony took place on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where Ousmane Dembélé was crowned the winner. Dembélé had an outstanding season with Paris Saint-Germain, leading the team to their first-ever Champions League title. Meanwhile, Raphinha had a remarkable season with Barcelona, scoring 38 goals and providing 23 assists in 66 appearances, helping the team win La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup titles.¹

Neymar’s Reaction

Neymar took to social media to voice his frustration with Raphinha’s ranking, calling it “a joke.” This reaction adds to the ongoing discussions about perceived biases in the Ballon d’Or voting process, particularly regarding Brazilian players. Notably, Vinicius Jr. finished second in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings despite having a superb season with Real Madrid.²

The Top 5 of the 2025 Ballon d’Or Rankings

The top 5 players in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings are:
– 1. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG): The winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, recognized for his outstanding performance in the Champions League.
– 2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): The young Spanish sensation showcased incredible talent and potential.
– 3. Vitinha (PSG): A key player in PSG’s success, demonstrating exceptional skills and game-reading abilities.
– 4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): The Egyptian winger had a remarkable season, leading Liverpool to the top of the Premier League.
– 5. Raphinha (Barcelona): Despite his impressive performance, Raphinha’s ranking was met with criticism from Neymar.