On June 1, 2025, football fans were abuzz with reactions following the announcement that Paris Saint-Germain’s star forward, Ousmane Dembélé, clinched the UEFA Champions League Best Player of the Season award for the 2024/25 campaign.

The news, shared by renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, showcased Dembélé’s impressive contribution to PSG’s European journey.

With 6 assists and a total of 14 goal-and-assist involvements, the French forward undoubtedly played a pivotal role for his team.

However, the decision to award him the prestigious honor ignited a firestorm of debates, particularly among supporters of FC Barcelona’s Raphinha, who many believe was unfairly snubbed despite a superior statistical record.

Dembélé’s recognition by UEFA underscores his flair and impact in crucial Champions League matches.

His ability to create scoring opportunities, paired with his dynamic presence on the pitch, likely caught the attention of the award’s voting panel. Historically,

UEFA’s selection process for such accolades involves a panel of 53 sports journalists who evaluate players based on their overall season performance across all competitions, awarding points on a 5-3-1 scale.

This method emphasizes not just raw numbers but also a player’s influence in high-stakes moments, which might explain why Dembélé was chosen over other contenders.

Yet, the decision didn’t sit well with everyone. Raphinha’s fans were quick to point out his remarkable stats, which included a staggering 21 goal-and-assist involvements—7 more than Dembélé’s tally.

Additionally, the Barcelona midfielder boasted an exceptional Sofascore rating of 8.24, reflecting his consistency throughout the season. In contrast, Dembélé’s contributions, while significant, were seen by some as less impactful when compared directly to Raphinha’s numbers.

Posts on X reflected this frustration, with users like

@FC_Cinema calling out “recency bias” and others, such as @Culerforlife04, questioning the award’s credibility if it didn’t honor the tournament’s top performer.

The controversy highlights a broader discussion about how football awards are determined.

While Dembélé’s flair and key moments likely swayed voters, Raphinha’s consistent excellence—both in goals and assists—made a strong case for him.

As fans continue to debate the decision, this moment serves as a reminder of the subjective nature of individual awards in a sport where stats, impact, and perception often collide.

What do you think—did UEFA get it right, or was Raphinha robbed of a well-deserved honor?