The competition was anticipated from the very beginning and it delivered. Barcelona teammates Lamine Yamal and Raphinha were both in the running for La Liga’s top individual honors. In the end, it was Raphinha who claimed the Best Player of the Season award. However, Lamine Yamal didn’t leave empty-handed the young sensation earned the Best U-23 Player award, a testament to his breakout season.
Raphinha’s recognition came on the back of an exceptional campaign. The Brazilian winger was a key figure in Barcelona’s domestic treble win, playing a central role alongside Lamine Yamal. His consistency, creativity, and sharp finishing were vital to Barça lifting the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup—all while toppling arch-rivals Real Madrid in the process. Although the Catalan giants fell short in the Champions League, exiting in the semifinals at the hands of Inter Milan, Raphinha’s individual contributions were impossible to ignore. He finished the season with 34 goals and 25 assists in 57 matches across all competitions.
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha
Raphinha joined Barcelona from Leeds United in 2022. After two mixed seasons, the 2024–25 campaign saw him thrive under new head coach Hansi Flick. His resurgence was rewarded not only with the league’s top individual prize but also a contract extension that will keep him at the Camp Nou until 2028.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal has been hailed as the future of Spanish football. His impact this season was profound 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 appearances. He also starred in the UEFA Nations League semifinals, enhancing his growing reputation. His performances have drawn comparisons with the game’s elite, and many already view him as a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or despite his young age.
La Liga officially announced the season’s award winners on Friday, celebrating individual brilliance in a season where Barcelona dominated Spanish football once again.