Sport
Neymar Says Ballon d’Or Made a Joke by Putting Raphinha in Fifth Place
Santos striker Neymar has openly criticized the Ballon d’Or organizers after Barcelona winger Raphinha was ranked fifth in the 2025 edition of the award.
The 33-year-old didn’t hide his frustration, branding the decision as nothing short of a joke. Neymar took to Instagram shortly after the ceremony on Monday night, writing that placing Raphinha in fifth place was “too much of a joke.”
The 2025 Ballon d’Or was claimed by Ousmane Dembele, who finished ahead of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, with Vitinha and Mohamed Salah also ahead of Raphinha in the standings.
Neymar, however, believes his compatriot deserved more recognition. Raphinha was a standout performer for Barcelona last season, playing a vital role in their LaLiga and Copa del Rey triumphs. Across all competitions, the former Leeds United star registered 56 goal contributions in 57 matches, making him one of the club’s most influential players.
Coventry City manager, Frank Lampard, speaks on team player and states how the player’s stance will help the team get into the Premier League.
The player is revealed to be Onyeka who he spoke about in the recent interview.
“He brings a different quality and probably a different profile to the midfield players we have.
“As I say, the profile is slightly different and I think that helps us in terms of the options and the competition in the middle of the park for us.”
Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta, after their last match, shares an update on the injured team members after their last match.
He shared an update on Saka and stated that he is doing better after going through a hip injury. “His hip is improving a lot. Hopefully, he’ll be ready soon.”
He added about the other team members: “Martin is getting better and will be back in a few days, and Jurrien is fit for the weekend.”
Super Eagles footballer, Alex Iwobi, speaks on the World Cup and reveals their hope to play in the 2026 World Cup.
He shared that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is hopeful about hearing from them after they submitted a petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“I mean we’re still waiting, well hopefully we can go to the World Cup, but I feel it’s a tough one.
“It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is like… It’s a great legacy, it’s a great thing to have in your career, a memorable moment. But then at the same time, because I’ve been to the World Cup already, a lot of the players haven’t been.”
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