The Liverpool legend has been in sensational form this season, but could be trumped by Barcelona's surprise star
19:04, 11 Mar 2025
Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and SL Benfica at Estadi OlÃmpic LluÃs Companys on March 11, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain
Raphinha has been a standout performer for Barcelona this season under Hansi Flick(Image: Getty Images)
Mo Salah could be pipped to the Ballon d'Or by Barcelona star Raphinha, unless the Reds win the Champions League.
Liverpool superstar Salah has been widely tipped for the prize after a stunning season that has seen him net 32 goals and clock up 22 assists in all competitions for the Premier League champions-elect this season. However, both former Anfield ace Steve McManaman and ex-Manchester United man Owen Hargreaves believe that Raphinha could cause a shock by beating Salah - and other big names - to the award.
The former Leeds United winger has been a revelation under Hansi Flick at the La Liga giants, and took his tally for the season to 27 with a first-half Champions League brace against Benfica. Leading both McManaman and Hargreaves to tip him for the game's biggest award, which was won by Manchester City midfielder Rodri last year.
Speaking on TNT Sport, Hargreaves said: "You could argue on the numbers for the season that he’s in the contention for the Ballon d’Or. His finishing is incredible, it’s been out of this world. He’s been an absolute revelation.
"Salah and Raphinha have similar numbers in terms of goals and assists, which is quite remarkable. Macca is right though, you have to win the big trophies.
"If you win the big ones then you have a chance to win. I think right now it’s probably Mo Salah, but I think Raphina is very, very close." And those comments were echoed by ex Real Madrid man McManaman, who added: "As a winger he needs to be discussed.
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Newcastle United FC at Anfield on February 26, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
Mo Salah is a favourite to win the Ballon d'Or after some sensational Liverpool displays(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
"We talk about Mo Salah, but we have to put this gentleman in the conversation. Likewise Robert Lewandowski, likewise Harry Kane and it’ll all depend on who lifts the Champions League.
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"They are all deserving at this moment in time. Harry Kane is out-scoring everyone in the Bundesliga, Lewandowski is the same in La Liga and he’s thrown in goals in the Champions League. They all deserve a mention.
"Harry Kane if he wins the Champions League and the Bundesliga he’d deserve it as well. Because we’re in England we’re drawn to our own, we don’t necessarily talk about it. Whoever wins the Champions League will probably be favourite."