
Former Brazilian international Cafu has named Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah as the only player capable of challenging Barcelona’s Raphinha for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
According to the former AC Milan star, Raphinha has already surpassed Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi’s record.
Speaking to the media, Cafu said (via GOAL): “I don’t see many players today who can compete with Raphinha, and I would even say that between him and Mohamed Salah.
“I think they’re the two who will have a chance of winning the [2025] Ballon d’Or. Raphinha has 31 goals and 25 assists.
“He has broken [Lionel] Messi’s record in a team considered the best in the world today, full of stars.”
Cafu recently tipped his compatriot Raphinha to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Meanwhile, Manchester City midfielder Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or ahead of the likes of Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
Ballon d’Or 2025: Cafu names player to challenge Raphinha for award