The 2025 Golden Ball ceremony will remain in the history of French football. With the expected coronation of Ousmane Dembélé and nine PSG players among the nominees, it was an evening of celebration for the capital's club. All the old glories were invited to commune. But one of them, and not least, has obviously decided to play another score.
The evening when Raí turned his back on PSG
Questioned by The team channel On his favorite, Raí, the Brazilian idol of the Parc des Princes, managed the feat of not quoting the name of Dembélé once. “PSG is very represented, I am happy for PSG”he conceded, before immediately continuing : “But I am especially happy for the PFC, and the appointment of Clara Mateo”. A pirouette to highlight the club of which he is now a shareholder and ambassador, Paris FC.
When he was relaunched on the name of the winner, he kicked in touch: ” I will not give a name. (…) There are at least three who deserve it, even if we imagine who will win it. I just hope that French football will be a winner. »» A facade neutrality that sounds like a real snob. He, the emblematic captain, the one who left the park in tears in 1998, seems today to want to distance himself from his club of heart.
A new Parisian rivalry?
This behavior is surprising, and even disappointing, Parisian supporters. He is explained by the new role of Raí. By investing in Paris FC, he chose another project, another vision of football in the capital. He may say that that “Do not change anything (his) relationship with PSG”his words this evening prove the opposite. It is now in a form of duty of reserve, even emerging rivalry.
This evening should have been that of unity, where all French football celebrated the success of its flagship club. But Raí's exit reminded that, even at the top, love stories can crumble. The Brazilian has chosen his new camp. And it is no longer that of Paris Saint-Germain.
