Owen Hargreaves, a former England forward, expressed his thoughts on the recipient of the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
He believes that in the competition for the Ballon d’Or, Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Barcelona star Raphinha are really close.
He thinks that one of these two might be named the world’s top player if they win the Champions League this season.
After Barcelona eliminated Benfica in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, Raphinha remains in the running to win the Champions League this season.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool’s prospects of winning the Ballon d’Or became less likely yesterday night as the Reds were eliminated from the competition after losing 4-1 on penalties to PSG.
Salah, an Egyptian playmaker, has contributed 22 assists and 32 goals in 41 games for Liverpool so far this season.
He has contributed to Liverpool’s dominance in the Premier League and their advancement to the EFL Cup final.
In contrast, Raphinha has made 41 appearances in all competitions, scoring 27 goals and dishing out 19 assists.
The former Leeds United winger has advanced to the Copa del Rey semifinals, the Champions League quarterfinals, to the top of the Spanish top flight league with his team.
“You could argue on the numbers for the season that he’s (Raphinha) in the contention for the Ballon d’Or,” Hargreaves stated in an interview with TNT Sports.
“His finishing is amazing; it’s beyond description.” He has truly been a revelation.
“It’s amazing that Salah and Raphinha have comparable goals and assists totals.
“I believe Raphinha is really, really close, but I think it’s probably Mo Salah right now.”