Mohamed Salah is putting together what could be the best season of his career, with the Egyptian superstar breaking records and leading Liverpool to what looks set to be another Premier League title.
His form has sparked increased calls for him to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, and with the 32-year-old leading both the Golden Boot and Playmaker charts, he appears to be the frontrunner for the award.
Despite Liverpool’s early Champions League exit, Salah’s impact this season has been historic, with former players and pundits backing him as the rightful winner of football’s most prestigious individual prize.
However, reports suggest that Liverpool are keeping tabs on a player who could rival Salah for the Ballon d’Or in the future – Barcelona’s Raphinha.
Liverpool tracking Raphinha amid career-best season
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are monitoring Barcelona winger Raphinha, who is in the best form of his career under Hansi Flick.
The Brazilian has been a standout performer this season, finally finding his rhythm at the Catalan club after a mixed start following his £55million move from Leeds United.
Thierry Henry has even suggested that Raphinha deserves to be in the Ballon d’Or conversation due to his performances this season.
Henry said: “Raphinha is on a lot of goals with only one penalty [in the Champions League]. I’m not saying Kane shouldn’t be having a penalty and Mo Salah is having a season in the Premier League that we will never see again.
“I’m saying if a guy has virtually the same amount of goals as you guys score without penalties, I’m not going to say that’s bad, it’s not bad, it’s outstanding, but this guy then, I have to talk a bit more about him.”
Salah still the clear Ballon d’Or favorite
While Raphinha’s resurgence has been impressive, Salah remains the overwhelming favorite for the Ballon d’Or.
The Liverpool talisman has redefined individual excellence in the Premier League this season, breaking club records and leading the Reds to domestic dominance.
The only potential obstacle for Salah could be Liverpool’s early Champions League exit. The Ballon d’Or often favours players who shine on Europe’s biggest stage, and with the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Raphinha still competing in the tournament, Salah will need to finish the season strongly to cement his case.
Regardless of the final voting, Salah has delivered a season for the ages.
Whether he claims the Ballon d’Or or not, his legacy as one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players is already sealed.