Wayne Rooney had strong words after Barcelona’s exit from the champions League

Here is a **word-for-word paraphrase** of your provided text, keeping all the **quoted speech intact** and rephrasing only the surrounding narration:

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️**Wayne Rooney** had strong words after Barcelona’s exit from the Champions League: *”Raphinha and Ballon d’Or? Of course, the elimination is a shock to everyone, but let’s look at the big picture! Raphinha this season isn’t just a player, he’s a phenomenon! The numbers speak for themselves, he’s the Champions League’s top scorer and has been a dazzling performer in every game. Yes, Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League, but does that erase his individual brilliance? Never! Remember Messi in 2012, didn’t Barcelona defeated by Chelsea and still win the Ballon d’Or? The Ballon d’Or is awarded to the best, not necessarily to his team. Raphinha dominated El Clásico, decided top-of-the-table clashes, and delivered legendary performances in Europe even before the elimination. The rivals? Haaland is in a weak English league this season, Mbappé is in a lower-level league. The message is clear if you vote today, Raphinha is the first candidate. The elimination is a wound, but it doesn’t kill his Ballon d’Or dreams. It might even add legitimacy to him. He carried an unbalanced team on his back!”*

Rooney’s perspective sparked fresh debate across the football world, with fans and analysts now reevaluating the Brazilian winger’s chances for the award despite Barça’s early European exit.

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