19 goals in 13 appearances: Barcelona star Raphinha ‘as good as anyone’ and backed for the Ballon d’Or

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Raphinha could be amongst the contenders to win next year's Ballon d'Or after a prolific start to the season for Barcelona, said TNT Sports expert Joe Cole. The Brazil international netted a brace in a 3-0 UEFA Champions League win over Aston Villa on Tuesday night.

'As good a chance as anyone' - Raphinha backed to win future Ballon d'Or

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Raphinha now has 19 goals in 13 appearances in all competitions, four of which have come in the Champions League.

He is the leading scorer in La Liga with 15, four goals clear of Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe.

The 29-year-old was not included in the top 30 players for the 2026 Ballon d'Or vote, but finished fifth in 2025.

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He was overshadowed by Lamine Yamal last season, who was beaten to this year's Ballon d'Or by Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane.

Barcelona's Rodri and Pau Cubarsi were also amongst the contenders after winning the World Cup with Spain.

But Raphinha has again emerged as one of the world's most potent attacking players in the early months of this season.

"There are a lot of players producing amazing numbers around the world," former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Cole said on TNT Sports.

"The numbers are inflated because it's a forward's game now, but his numbers are staggering, he's a wonderful footballer.

"Because of his journey - he went to Leeds, he wasn't a golden boy coming out of Brazil like Vinicius or Estevao or even Yamal from Spain - but he's as good as anyone in his position, and he's a joy to watch.

"He's a natural goalscorer and he's got as good a chance as anyone to win the Ballon d'Or. But I think whoever wins the Champions League, has a moment in the final and has a great season will get it."

There have been some suggestions that Raphinha is underappreciated at Barcelona, with Yamal the current poster boy.

But the former Leeds player has gone from strength to strength since making the switch to Catalonia in 2022.

"There is no questioning his ability," former Villa defender Alan Hutton said on TNT Sports. "He can score different types of goals, he can run in behind, he's got the technical ability.

"When you're playing with world-class, elite players that you're on the same wavelength with, there's a great blend there and it's just all clicking."

Raphinha is the focal point in a prolific Barcelona team this season, with Hansi Flick's side racking up 60 goals in all competitions already.

They have found the net 14 times in just four Champions League games, though they were beaten 4-2 by European champions Paris Saint-Germain last month.

Highlights: Barca make light work of Villa

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Asked if Barcelona are amongst the favourites to win the tournament, Cole said: "They're not in my top four. I think Arsenal and Man City are more balanced.

"Only because we've seen Aston Villa create three or four good chances against them, we've seen them beaten by PSG, we've seen Real Madrid take them at Camp Nou.

"They're my favourite team to watch, brilliant, I couldn't wait to come in tonight. But that high line, I could be wrong, but I don't see it."

Barcelona next travel to Azerbaijan to play Sabah later this month, before hosting Manchester City in December.

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