Thierry Henry Names Front-Runner for the 2025 Ballon d'Or
Thierry Henry Names Front-Runner for the 2025 Ballon d'Or
Barcelona’s Raphinha Leads the Ballon d’Or Race, Says Thierry Henry
The Brazilian forward played a crucial role in Barcelona’s 3-1 victory over Benfica
Raphinha scored twice in the second leg at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, taking his goal tally to 11 in the Champions League this season – making him the competition’s top scorer.
His outstanding performances have drawn widespread praise, with Henry placing him ahead of all other contenders for football’s most prestigious individual award.
Henry: “Raphinha Is Ahead of Everyone”
Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo, Henry was full of admiration for the 28-year-old winger.
“Raphinha is leading the race for the Ballon d’Or. He’s ahead of everyone for what he has done this season. 11 goals in the Champions League, and just one from a penalty – that’s incredible.
People talk about needing to be a complete player, and Raphinha is exactly that. As a forward, you must know how to press, defend, and support your full-back.
There are so many aspects to the game, and Raphinha excels in all of them.”
"Raphinha is ahead, with the Ballon d'Or."
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 11, 2025
Thierry Henry believes the Barcelona star is an early favorite to take home the prestigious award 👇 pic.twitter.com/6t6V4meq0J
A Career-Best Season for Raphinha
Raphinha’s numbers this season back up Henry’s claims.
Across all competitions, the Brazilian has recorded 27 goals and 19 assists, reaching his highest-ever market value of €80 million, according to Transfermarkt.
His contributions go beyond just goals.
In addition to leading the Champions League scoring charts, he also tops the assists rankings, tied at five with Zappacosta, Brandt, De Ketelaere, and Hakimi.
His all-around influence on Barcelona’s attack has been pivotal in the club’s success.
Strong Competition for the Award
While Raphinha has emerged as a frontrunner, Mohamed Salah remains a formidable rival in the race for the Ballon d’Or.
The Liverpool forward has also been in sensational form, and the latter stages of the Champions League could prove decisive in determining the winner.
With Barcelona aiming for European glory, Raphinha has the perfect stage to strengthen his claim for the Ballon d’Or.
If he maintains his impressive form, Henry’s prediction could very well become reality.
