'There's no need to overthink it': Setien insists Raphinha is the world's best and deserves Ballon d'Or

Setien backs Raphinha for the Ballon d'Or

Former Barcelona manager Quique Setien has waded into the Ballon d'Or debate with a typically forthright verdict, insisting that Raphinha is the most deserving candidate for football's most prestigious individual prize.

Speaking to Cadena SER, Setien did not mince words when asked who he would hand the award to, delivering a ringing endorsement of the Barcelona winger despite the Brazilian not even making the final shortlist for the honour.

"There's no need to overthink it. I'd give it to Raphinha right now," Setien said. "I'm absolutely certain of it. Because he's the best player. And he's not only the most effective and the one who plays the most, but he's also the one who runs the most, works the hardest, and helps his team the most. He's an absolutely complete footballer."

Not on the shortlist, but in the form of his life

The 2026 Ballon d'Or race is currently headlined by Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe, with Raphinha conspicuously absent from the final list of contenders. However, Setien is in no doubt that the former Leeds United man stands above them all at this moment in time.

Raphinha's 2025-26 campaign was disrupted by injury, while Brazil's World Cup journey ended at the last-16 stage in 2026. Yet the 29-year-old has responded in emphatic fashion this season, already racking up 14 goals in a blistering run of form that has helped fire Barcelona to the top of La Liga.

Setien's comments add further fuel to a simmering debate over the Ballon d'Or criteria, with the former Barca boss championing the all-round contribution of a player whose relentless work rate and versatility have made him a cornerstone of Hansi Flick's side — even if the award's voters did not see fit to include him among the finalists.