Barcelona Defender Names His Ballon d’Or Pick Over Yamal and Raphinha

• Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí was asked to choose between teammates Raphinha and Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or
• Despite his close bond with Yamal, he named Raphinha as the most deserving based on this season’s performances
• He also praised Raphinha’s leadership, calling him a key figure in the dressing room

Barcelona’s young defensive talent, Pau Cubarsí, continues to impress with his maturity both on and off the pitch.

In a recent interview, he faced a familiar question for Barça players—choosing a teammate for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

With Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and even Pedri in contention, Cubarsí was asked to make his pick.

Despite his close friendship with Yamal, having grown up together in Barcelona’s academy, the young centre-back remained objective in his choice.

Cubarsí’s Ballon d’Or selection

When asked who deserves the award based on performances this season, Cubarsí didn’t hesitate. He named Raphinha as the most deserving candidate.

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“Right now, because of how the season is going, I would give it to Raphinha,” he told SPORT.

When asked if Yamal might be disappointed by his answer, Cubarsí confidently responded:'

“Lamine would also say Raphinha.”

Leadership in the dressing room

Beyond individual recognition, Cubarsí also highlighted Raphinha’s growing influence within the team. When discussing leaders in the squad, he once again pointed to the Brazilian, calling him a key figure in the dressing room.

He also mentioned Ronald Araújo, acknowledging the Uruguayan’s strong leadership presence.

Cubarsí’s honest and measured perspective reflects the intelligence that has made him one of Barcelona’s most exciting defensive prospects.

While the Ballon d’Or debate will continue, his assessment reinforces Raphinha’s growing importance to the team this season.

Cubarsí on the potential partnership with Real Madrid star

Meanwhile, Cubarsí believes he and Real Madrid’s Raúl Asencio could form a strong center-back pairing.

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Speaking to the media during the international break ahead of Spain’s UEFA Nations League quarter-final against the Netherlands, he shared his thoughts on Asencio. Praising his rival, Cubarsí said via Yahoo Sports:

“Asencio is a great guy, he’s having a fantastic season, and I think we could make a solid duo.”

Cubarsí has had more experience with the Spanish national team, but Asencio’s impressive performances in recent months have earned him a well-deserved call-up.

Despite being fierce rivals at the club level, the two young defenders have the potential to form a partnership reminiscent of Ramos and Piqué, providing stability to Spain’s defense for years to come.

Raphinha climbs up in updated Ballon d'Or ranking

In another publication, YEN.com.gh provided an early glimpse at the frontrunners for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, featuring Barcelona duo Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.

While Mohamed Salah and last season’s runner-up Vinicius Junior are leading the race for football’s most prestigious award, Raphinha’s standout performances have also put him in contention.

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Lamine Yamal lauds his mom for her sacrifices

In a previous publication, YEN.com.gh reported that Lamine Yamal expressed deep gratitude to his mother for her sacrifices.

The 17-year-old acknowledged her pivotal role in his football journey, emphasising how she helped him discover the 'beauty in adversity.'

Source: AFP