Legendary Brazilian right-back Cafu has named Barcelona’s Raphinha and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah as the two standout candidates for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, declaring the prestigious individual honour a battle between the in-form wingers.
Both players have delivered standout performances for their clubs this season, with Raphinha playing a pivotal role in Barcelona’s campaign while Salah continued to be a consistent force for Liverpool.
Their contributions have propelled them into early contention for football’s top individual prize.
Despite the presence of other high-profile names in the conversation, Cafu is convinced the contest will ultimately come down to the Brazilian and the Egyptian internationals.
The former AC Milan and Roma star, speaking to the media, expressed admiration for both but believes Raphinha has edged ahead in the race.
“I don’t see many players today who can compete with Raphinha, and I’d even say that between him and Mohamed Salah. I think they’re the two who will have a chance of winning the Ballon d’Or,” Cafu said.
He further highlighted the remarkable numbers Raphinha has produced this season, surpassing long-standing club records and becoming a central figure in a star-studded Barcelona team.
“Raphinha has 31 goals and 25 assists. He’s broken Messi’s record in a team considered the best in the world today, full of stars. It’s the heart, the defining element, the one that makes Barcelona play.”
Cafu, a two-time World Cup winner with Brazil, expressed particular pride in Raphinha’s rise to prominence, noting the winger’s leadership role at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“And I’m very happy that he’s a Brazilian, a Brazilian who’s been standing out. He’s the team captain at a great club like Barca.”
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is still months away, but if Raphinha maintains his current trajectory, Cafu’s prediction could well materialise.
