🏅 Ballon D'OneFootball 2025: Rayan of Vasco ranks seventh

A tractor who piled up goals throughout 2025 at just 19 years old.

Rayan, from Vasco, transformed under Fernando Diniz and became a reference point and fan favorite for Vasco in the current season.

The youngster led the Gigante da Colina to the final of the Copa do Brasil – and maybe even to the title, which will be decided on Sunday. 

He even broke records set by Roberto Dinamite and Romário while wearing the Vasco shirt.

All of this earned Rayan 7th place in the Ballon D'OneFootball 2025!

The award, given by Brazilian journalists from OneFootball, lists the top-performing players throughout 2025 in Brazil, considering all competitions.

We’ll reveal one name per day until December 25th, when the winner of the Ballon D'OneFootball 2025 will be announced.

8th place – Flaco López, striker for Palmeiras

9th place – Jorginho, midfielder for Flamengo

10th place – Thiago Silva, defender for Fluminense

💎 Jewel of the Hill

A product of the youth academy, Rayan has defended Vasco’s colors since he was 9 years old.

The youngster stood out until he reached the professional squad of the Gigante da Colina. 

Although he made his debut – and scored – in 2023, it was in 2025 that Rayan caught the attention of the entire country.

He scored 20 goals in 53 matches this season.

Roberto Dinamite and Romário only managed to score 20 goals in a year when they were 20 years old.

And he could score even more, as he faces the Copa do Brasil final.

😳 Brazil’s top scorer on the bench

The youngster’s form is so good that Diniz changed his position in the team, moving him from the wing to lead the attack. 

As a result, Pablo Vegetti, the top scorer in Brazil with 27 goals, was sent to the bench. 

It’s true that the Argentine kept coming on and scoring his goals, but the Vasco coach prioritized boosting Rayan as a strong, fast, and central striker in Vasco’s tactical setup.

✍️ Contract renewal until 2028

With so much attention in Brazil, European clubs kept a close eye on the performance and development of the 19-year-old. 

But Vasco acted faster and secured Rayan’s contract renewal.

He got a pay raise, signed until 2028, and set a release clause of 80 million euros (R$ 520 million).

Even so, there’s a good chance that the number 77 won’t stay at São Januário in 2026.

📸 Wagner Meier - 2025 Getty Images

So, do you think he’ll stay at Vasco next season? Leave your comment!

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 MAURO PIMENTEL - AFP or licensors