When the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season was announced, many nodded in agreement as Ousmane Dembélé stood proudly with the accolade. After all, the PSG winger had played a key role in their thrilling run. But as the dust settles and the numbers speak, one question quietly lingers in the minds of many: Didn’t Raphinha deserve it more?
The answer, backed by cold, hard stats and moments that lit up the tournament, might just be yes.
Raphinha was nothing short of electric throughout Barcelona’s campaign. In just 14 appearances, the Brazilian winger scored 13 goals and provided 8 assists. That’s 21 direct goal contributions — more than any other player in this season’s Champions League. He equalised Ronaldo’s record for most goal contributions in a single campaign.
In comparison, Dembélé played one match more and tallied 8 goals and 6 assists — 14 contributions overall. While his dribbling and flair caught the eye, it was Raphinha who consistently delivered the end product that turns games around and keeps dreams alive.
Beyond just goals and assists, Raphinha was a creative engine. He created 13 big chances for his teammates — more than triple Dembélé’s tally of 4. He was the player threading the needle in tight games, the one unlocking deep defences when others ran out of ideas.
Dembélé may have been more explosive on the ball — registering more successful dribbles — but Raphinha’s impact was measurable, repeatable, and decisive.
There’s no denying Dembélé’s quality. His pace, trickery, and unpredictability made him a nightmare for defenders. But football isn’t just about showmanship — it’s about moments that change matches. Raphinha produced more of those, and with fewer games.
In clutch moments, he delivered. Against Benfica, he was the game-changer. Versus Bayern, he found the net again. In matches that demanded leadership and efficiency, he stepped up — not with stepovers, but with substance.
This isn’t to take away from Dembélé’s incredible season. He was a joy to watch and instrumental in PSG’s journey. But when it comes to impact, productivity, and decisive moments, Raphinha simply outshone him.
The Player of the Season award might have gone to the Frenchman, but the most influential performer of this campaign might just have worn Barcelona’s red and blue — and his name is Raphinha.
