Barcelona’s early-season surge has found its most visible partnership in Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, with the Brazilian captain using the aftermath of the Racing win to make a public case for his teenage teammate’s Ballon d’Or bid.
Raphinha backs Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or
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After Barcelona’s heavy league victory over Racing Santander, Raphinha replied to an Instagram post from Lamine Yamal with an unambiguous endorsement. The youngster had shared a photograph of himself on the turf in the rain, reflecting a demanding afternoon in which Barça created 30 chances.
Raphinha’s response read: “You are a phenomenon. My Ballon d’Or.”
The captain’s message adds to extensive support for Lamine within the Barcelona camp. Players, head coach Hansi Flick, president Joan Laporta and vice-president Rafa Yuste have all backed the academy graduate’s candidacy. Lamine is seeking to become the youngest recipient in the history of the individual prize.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for 26 October in London, with the debate around this season’s leading performers already gathering momentum.
There is an added twist in Barcelona’s case: Raphinha himself was absent from the 30-player shortlist, despite an exceptional opening to the campaign. He and Lamine have become Flick’s decisive attacking combination, both in the scoring figures and in their evident connection away from matchday.
Barcelona’s scoring pair set a rare pace
Six rounds into the Spanish league season, Raphinha has scored nine times and Lamine has added seven, giving the pair 16 league goals. Barcelona have not seen two players reach that combined total at this stage of a campaign for 86 years.
Raphinha struck three times against Racing to reach nine goals, matching Lionel Messi’s return after six league matches in 2017-18. Lamine also found the net in that win, taking his own tally to seven.
Barcelona have won all six league fixtures and also opened their European campaign with a victory. Across every competition, Flick’s side have scored 33 goals and remain unbeaten. Raphinha and Lamine account for 19 of them, more than half of the team’s total.
The Brazilian has been a close presence for Lamine since the start of their time together, offering guidance as well as sharing the forward line. His latest message made clear that, in Barcelona’s dressing room, the captain sees the club’s young star as football’s outstanding candidate.
SEO title: Raphinha names Lamine Yamal as his Ballon d’Or choice
SEO description: Barcelona captain Raphinha publicly backs Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or after Racing win, as the pair continue their remarkable scoring start.
