Thierry Henry has unexpectedly named Raphinha as his top choice for the Ballon d’Or, surpassing Mohamed Salah, who is having an exceptional season with Liverpool.
Despite Salah’s impressive campaign, which includes 32 goals and 22 assists across all competitions, Henry believes Raphinha’s performance in the Champions League gives him an edge. Raphinha has scored 27 goals and provided 19 assists for Barcelona, with a notable 11 goals in the Champions League, and only one penalty in all competitions.
Henry highlighted Raphinha’s well-rounded game, praising his ability to press, defend, and assist his teammates. In contrast, Salah’s goal tally has been boosted by 11 penalties, which Henry noted as a factor in his decision. While acknowledging Salah’s incredible form in the Premier League, Henry emphasized that Raphinha’s success in Europe and his overall contribution to Barcelona’s campaign make him a more compelling candidate for the award.
Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or have been further complicated by Liverpool’s elimination from the Champions League, while Raphinha’s Barcelona advanced to the quarterfinals. Henry’s assessment underscores the importance of team success and performance in major competitions in determining the Ballon d’Or winner. Despite Salah’s dominance in the Premier League, Henry’s preference for Raphinha reflects the broader criteria considered in the award’s selection process.