In a shocking twist, Raphinha received *zero* first-place votes for the Ballon d’Or, despite a strong season with Barcelona and Brazil. Meanwhile, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Achraf Hakimi, and even Scott McTominay somehow secured first-place votes from select journalists. The surprising choices have sparked debate among fans, with many questioning the credibility and criteria behind some ballots. While Kvaratskhelia and Hakimi had solid campaigns, McTominay’s inclusion raised eyebrows across social media. Raphinha’s omission from top spots adds to growing concerns that popularity, narrative, or national bias may be outweighing consistent performance on the pitch in Ballon d’Or voting.
