It’s not Lamine Yamal: The Barcelona star appears as 2025 Ballon d’Or early favorite before Kylian Mbappe; Mohamed Salah suffers from amazing drop

For several years, Ballon d’O or assign Be synonymous with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The legendary duo dominated the award and left some room for debate. But in recent seasons, the prestigious award has become much more unpredictable. Rodri’s latest triumph is proof of that, like Manchester City midfielder edged Vinicius in a hotly contested race.

However, with Rodri sideways due to a seasonal injuryThe 2025 edition of the Ballon d’Or forms to be an open competition. Kylical Mbappe and Erling Haaland is, as always, in the conversation. Mohamed is wrongHave seen their chances after a sensational start to the campaign. In the meantime, Harry Kane’s target coring exploits Keep him going.

But a new name has unexpectedly increased in front of the packaging – a player who has expected would lead the race for football’s most sought after individual honor. It’s not lamin yamal.

The player in question has been in the form of his life. With an astonishing 44 goal contribution in all competitions, no players in La Liga have been more influential this season. Only Mohamed Salah has registered more over Europe’s five best leagues, and even then Egyptian has played significantly more minutes.

Defenders throughout Spain and Europe have struggled to contain his direct running, creativity and fatal finishing. The Champions League has been his playgroundwhere he has already gathered 11 goals and five assists In just 835 minutes – Numbers who even Messi, at its peak, could not surpass in the competition’s group steps. His performances have driven Barcelona in violation of a historical treble. With La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League still within reachHis influence has been impossible to ignore.

Introduction of Raphinha: Barcelona’s new star

Yes, the player that dominates the Ballon D’O or the conversation is none other than Raphinha. The 28-year-old Brazilians have taken their game to another level under Hansi-girldevelops from a talented edge to the heartbeat in Barcelona’s attack. During a season there Lamine Yamal has dazzled with her youthful shine and Robert Lewandowski has continued to scoreIt is Raphinha that has been Blaugrana’s most crucial player.

“Playing against him this season is to be haunted by his driving runs and curling left -wing crosses, his ability to ask questions from the best defenders in the world,” Notes The analyst.

He doesn’t just make goals; He creates more chances than any other player in Europe’s five best leagues. With 116 chances created and 12.3 Expected assistsRaphinha has been both goal scores and players. And when it comes to delivering in decisive moments, few have been better.

Blaugrana’s 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the Uefa Champions League group was a statement performance, and Raphinha Stal the show with a fantastic hate trick. It was the kind of performance that forced the football world to address. Then in the round of 16, with its side reduced to 10 men from the 22nd minuteThe wing Step up and got the decisive goal to send their team. It was a moment that strengthened his reputation as a big game player.

Can Raphinha win Ballon d’Or?

The battle for Ballon d’O or remains fierce, and remains fierce, and To secure cutlery will be decisive. If Raphinha can lead Barcelona to several trophies – especially the Champions League – his case will be almost undeniable, CASELast power ranking reveals.

Kylian Mbappe is still a strong challengerEspecially if he can lead Real Madrid to European glory. His latest Hat-trick against Manchester City in February was a reminder of his ability to turn big moments to his advantage.

In the meantime, Mohamed Salah’s decline in the ranking Has been one of the season’s biggest surprises. Once is considered front trunner, Liverpool’s Champions League output and Carabao Cup Final Loss has significantly injured his hope.

The Ballon D’O or 2025 Power Ranking