Barcelona star chooses Raphinha over Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or | OneFootball

Barcelona star Pau Cubarsí has revealed his take that, as things stand, Raphinha should be considered the favourite to lift the Ballon d’Or, over close friend Lamine Yamal.

Wide-man Raphinha is for his part of course in the midst of nothing short of a spectacular individual season to date.

Looking like a player reborn in the free-flowing system employed by Hansi Flick, the Brazilian has established himself as one of the standout performers in all of world football.

All told, across 42 appearances in all competitions this season, Raphinha has notched a whopping 47 direct goal contributions.

And such figures are too much to overlook for young teammate Pau Cubarsí.

Defender Cubarsí for his part sat down for an interview with COPE’s El Partidazo this week, during which he was asked about the race for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

And the 18-year-old, in comments cited by Diario Sport, went on to explain:

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

Asked if this response may anger close friend and teammate Lamine Yamal, Cubarsí continued:

“Lamine would also say Raphinha!”

Conor Laird – GSFN