Liverpool star player, Mo Salah, has been the early favourite to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or due to his sensational performances this season. However, recent developments have led Arsenal icon Thierry Henry to question this status.
Liverpool's unexpected exit from the Champions League has prompted a reassessment of Salah’s standing in the race for the Ballon d'Or. The Egyptian king of Anfield missed several chances as his side eventually lost in a penalty shootout against Paris Saint-Germain. This elimination has led many sports pundits and fans alike to reconsider their rankings for this year’s prestigious award.
New frontrunner?
Thierry Henry believes that Barcelona star Raphinha is now leading the race for the coveted trophy. With Barcelona still firmly in contention within the Champions League and looking formidable, Raphinha’s chances seem brighter than ever.
Thierry Henry, Barcelona legend, said:
"Raphinha is ahead for me now, he is ahead because of what he is doing in the Champions League. He has 11 goals in the Champions League. Mo Salah is a great contender for it, [Harry] Kane is a contender and [Ousmane] Dembele. It depends if you perform in the Champions League, on top of winning your league. Raphinha is on a lot of goals and with only one penalty [in all competitions].
"I am not saying that Kane and Salah should not be having penalties, Mo Salah is having a season in the Premier League that we will never see again. I am saying that if a guy has virtually the same amount of goals as you guys scored, without penalties, I am not going to say that is bad what you did – it is outstanding – but this guy I have to talk a bit more about him. Raphinha, when people talk about being complete as a striker you need to know about putting on pressure also and defend, and help your full-back. And he has it all."
In contrast with Liverpool’s unfortunate night at last Tuesday’s Champions League round of 16, La Liga giants Barcelona triumphed over Benfica with a 3-1 victory securing their place in quarter-finals. Raphinha played an instrumental role by scoring two goals and inadvertently registering an assist. He also scored during their first leg match against Benfica. With these impressive stats under his belt - 11 strikes in just 10 games - he is now this season's top goalscorer within Europe’s premier club competition.
Hansi Flick extracting best from Raphinha
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick seems to be getting optimal performance out of Raphinha who already contributed towards an astounding total of 42 goals across his 41 appearances so far this season. His chemistry with team-mates Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski has been a significant factor in Barcelona's success.
Under Flick's guidance, Barcelona is not only one of the favourites to win the Champions League but also currently sits at the top of La Liga with one game in hand.
While Mo Salah remains a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or, Liverpool’s Champions League exit and Raphinha’s exceptional form have led to a shift in favouritism. As we await October for the award ceremony, it will be interesting to see how this dynamic evolves.
