Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has made his pick for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, but it’s not Mohamed Salah. Despite the Egyptian forward’s incredible form for Liverpool, Henry believes Barcelona’s Raphinha is now the leading candidate for football’s most prestigious individual award.
Salah’s Outstanding Season Might Not Be Enough
Salah has been one of the best African players this season, scoring 32 goals and providing 22 assists in 42 matches for Liverpool. His performances have been key to the Reds’ Premier League title charge and Carabao Cup final appearance.
However, Liverpool’s Champions League last-16 exit to PSG could hurt Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or, according to Henry.
Why Henry Thinks Raphinha is the Favorite
Speaking on CBS Sports, Henry pointed to Raphinha’s Champions League form as a deciding factor.
🗣 Henry on the Ballon d’Or race:
“Raphinha is ahead for me now because of what he is doing in the Champions League. He has 11 goals in the competition. Salah is a contender, Kane is a contender, and Dembele too. But it depends if you perform in the Champions League, on top of winning your league.”
While Salah’s Premier League dominance is undeniable, Henry believes Raphinha’s all-round contributions, including his work rate, pressing, and goals from open play, give him the edge.
(Final score: SL Benfica 0 – 1 FC Barcelona). (Photo by David Martins/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Raphinha’s Impressive Numbers
- 27 goals & 19 assists in 41 games for Barcelona
- Barcelona leading La Liga
- Copa del Rey semi-finalists
- Champions League quarter-finalists
If Barcelona wins the Champions League, Raphinha’s chances of securing the Ballon d’Or will skyrocket. Meanwhile, Salah is no longer in Europe’s biggest competition, which could weaken his case.
Can Salah Still Win?
Henry acknowledges that Salah is having a historic season, but Champions League success has traditionally played a huge role in deciding the Ballon d’Or winner. If Salah wins the Premier League and continues his record-breaking form, he could still have a shot.
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With Raphinha, Kane, and Dembele still in the Champions League, the race for the Ballon d’Or is far from over. Can Salah still make history as Africa’s next winner, or will Raphinha claim the award?
