Raphinha was realizing the impossible: an XXL season with FC Barcelona, ​​31 goals, 19 assists, and an online in sight. Enough to make him one of the big favorites for the Ballon d'Or. But on the eve of a stretched shock against Argentina, the Brazilian committed a misstep which could compromise everything. His explosive remarks made against Romário ignited the canvas: “You have to beat them up!” On the ground and outside if necessary ”, Before concluding without detour: “Let them go fucking.”
In an already boiling context between the two South American giants, this kind of outing can quickly ignite the stands. Far from eating, Raphinha fought a historical tension. And beyond the land, the image of the player vacillates. The influence of these kinds of declarations on public opinion and voters of the Ballon d'Or could be much stronger than its statistics.
Raphinha shot himself in the foot.
The case recalls another emblematic case: that of Zinedine Zidane in 2000. Deprived of the Ballon d'Or for a bad gesture in the Champions League, he had seen the trophy escape him in favor of Figo. In the case of Raphinha, it is not an expulsion, but an incentive to verbal violence. And it could weigh just as much in the scale.
Raphinha, a perfect season threatened by a verbal excess
The Ballon d'Or does not only reward figures. He crowns a football ambassador, a model, a global figure. Raphinha had checked all the sports boxes. But at a time when fair play becomes a central criterion, this kind of statement could cost him his dream.
In this frantic race, his rivals like MbappĂ©, Lamine Yamal or DembĂ©lĂ© could take advantage of this controversy. Less exposed, more mastered, they now check boxes that Raphinha may have wiped out too quickly. A title is won in the field, but sometimes gets lost … in front of a microphone.
