SPORTSWORLD.AM
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was unhappy with the results of the 2025 Ballon d'Or voting. The award was awarded to Paris Saint-Germain's French winger Ousmane Dembele. Barcelona's Brazilian winger Rafinha, who Rooney believed deserved to win, came in fifth place.
"This is just a joke. Why did Rafinha finish fifth and Vitinha third? After all, it was Rafa who led his team in important moments, played with heart and soul and gave us magical nights. If he doesn't deserve the Ballon d'Or, then what does? I think he deserved first place," Rooney was quoted as saying by Barca Universal.
It should be noted that as a result of the voting, the second to fourth places were distributed as follows: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) - second, Vitinya (PSG) - third, Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) - fourth.
Last season, the Brazilian forward played 57 matches in all competitions, scoring 34 goals and providing 25 assists. With Barcelona, Rafinha won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.