Raphinha or Mohamed Salah? Liverpool star labelled the only one who can challenge Barcelona forward to Ballon d'Or as Cafu makes case for Brazilian to claim top prize

Raphinha and Salah have been pivotal to their sides' successes this season, as Barcelona are chasing their third European treble while Liverpool won the Premier League in totally dominant fashion. The Brazilian and the Egyptian, both, had taken an early lead in the race for the 2025 Ballon d'Or after their superb form in all competitions.

However, both of their forms have fallen off over the last few months, and the rise to form of Lamine Yamal and Pedri to become Barcelona's main men, questions have been raised whether the latter two deserve the Ballon d'Or more than the former. However, Brazil legend Cafu believes that the race remains between Raphinha and Salah are the only ones in the race and made a claim for the Barcelona winger to win the coveted trophy.

Speaking to the media, Cafu said: "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. 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. 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.

"Raphinha is always admired by everyone, especially us Brazilians. But the current moment the Brazilian national team is going through is different from that of the player, from that of the athlete that Raphinha is. He's been playing football really well. The Brazilian national team needs him very much; they need his talent, his work... His work with the Brazilian national team could even help them win the next World Cup.

Salah seems unlikely to win the Ballon d'Or unless Barcelona drop off and fail to win both the La Liga title and the Champions League. However, even if they fail to win the European title, La Liga would help Raphinha get better odds over Salah.