Nobody expected what Raphinha has said about the Ballon d'Or and Hansi Flick

The moment Raphinha is experiencing at FC Barcelona is difficult to dispute. The Brazilian has become a consistent goalscorer, decisive in the final yards (meters) and with a real impact in big matches. His performance is no longer occasional, but sustained, and that has completely changed the perception people had of him.

Last season it was not enough for him to lift the Ballon d'Or, but his progression leads people to think that it is only a matter of time. In terms of numbers, character, and competitive ambition, Raphinha has shown that he belongs to the elite. He doesn't hide and he doesn't shy away from pressure: he assumes it as part of the path.

A candid interview

In an interview given to Sofascore, the forward was especially sincere when he spoke about the Ballon d'Or. He acknowledged that it hurt him not to be higher in the voting and he left a remark that surprised many because of its forcefulness.

"I was upset, I expected to be at least among the top three, I would put myself first," he explained. For Raphinha, an individual award can't depend on a single competition. Even so, he wanted to be fair and he acknowledged the great level shown by Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal, making it clear that demanding standards are not at odds with respect.

Ancelotti and the connection with Brazil

Another of the key names in the interview was Carlo Ancelotti, now Brazil's head coach. Raphinha did not hide his surprise at the coach's closeness and at his way of managing the group, something that, according to him, has made a notable difference.

The winger emphasized that with Ancelotti's arrival the national team reconnected, not only on a tactical level, but also on an emotional level. For a competitive player like Raphinha, feeling understood and supported is key to performing at the highest level away from his club as well.

Flick, the great driving force

However, if there was one name that Raphinha mentioned with special gratitude, it was Hansi Flick's. The Brazilian did not hesitate to point to him as the main person responsible for his best version as a professional footballer.

"Flick was the one who practically made me have the best season of my career," he confessed. He gave him confidence when he himself did not even have it and he gave him back his ambition without half measures. Raphinha sums it up with a clear philosophy: if you play for Barça and you represent Brazil, your goals must be the highest ones, everything else simply is not enough.