Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has weighed in on the 2025 Ballon d’Or debate, surprisingly overlooking Mohamed Salah despite the Liverpool forward’s stunning season. Instead, Henry has identified Barcelona’s Raphinha as the frontrunner for football’s most prestigious individual award.
Salah’s Stellar Season May Not Be Enough
Salah has been in sensational form this season, racking up 32 goals and 22 assists in 42 matches, driving Liverpool’s push for a Premier League and League Cup double. However, Liverpool’s Champions League last-16 exit to PSG could significantly impact Salah’s chances of clinching the Ballon d’Or, according to Henry.
Why Raphinha Leads the Race
Speaking on CBS Sports, Henry highlighted Raphinha’s incredible Champions League form, where the Brazilian has netted 11 goals, as a major factor in his Ballon d’Or credentials.
🗣 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 is having a historic season in the Premier League, Henry believes that Raphinha’s well-rounded performances, including his pressing, defensive work, and goal contribution without penalties, make him the standout candidate.
Raphinha’s Impressive Numbers
- 27 goals & 19 assists in 41 games for Barcelona
- Leading La Liga with Barcelona
- Copa del Rey semi-finalists
- Champions League quarter-finalists
With Barcelona still on track for a potential treble, Raphinha remains in contention for the Ballon d’Or, while Salah’s chances have diminished due to Liverpool’s European elimination.
Does Salah Still Have a Chance?
While Henry hasn’t ruled out Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele, or Salah, he emphasized the importance of Champions League success in deciding the Ballon d’Or winner. Without European silverware, Salah may struggle to edge out players still competing at the highest level.
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With the Champions League quarter-finals approaching, the race for the Ballon d’Or is still wide open. Can Salah defy the odds and reclaim his place at the top, or will Raphinha’s European heroics seal the award?
