{"id":39971,"date":"2025-03-12T15:20:54","date_gmt":"2025-03-12T15:20:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sportscasting.com\/uk\/?p=39971"},"modified":"2025-03-12T15:20:54","modified_gmt":"2025-03-12T15:20:54","slug":"thierry-henry-ballon-dor-prediction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sportscasting.com\/uk\/news\/thierry-henry-ballon-dor-prediction\/","title":{"rendered":"Thierry Henry Backs Raphinha Over Mo Salah and Harry Kane in the Ballon d’Or Race"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thierry Henry has made a bold prediction in the race for the 2025 Ballon d\u2019Or, snubbing Liverpool\u2019s Mohamed Salah and Bayern Munich\u2019s Harry Kane in favour of Barcelona\u2019s Raphinha. <\/strong><\/p>\n

The Arsenal<\/a> legend believes the Brazilian winger\u2019s performances in the Champions League have set him apart from the competition.<\/p>\n

Raphinha\u2019s Champions League Heroics Could Earn Him Ballon d’Or<\/h2>\n

Raphinha has been in electrifying form in Europe\u2019s top club competition, scoring an impressive 11 goals in 10 appearances this season.<\/p>\n

His recent brace in Barcelona\u2019s 3-1 victory over Benfica<\/a> further cemented his case as a serious contender for the prestigious award.<\/p>\n

Beyond his goal-scoring exploits, Henry praised Raphinha\u2019s all-around contribution to the team.<\/p>\n

Speaking on CBS Sports<\/em>, Henry highlighted the Brazilian\u2019s defensive work rate and pressing ability as key factors that elevate his performances.<\/p>\n

\u201cRaphinha is ahead, yes, with the Ballon d\u2019Or,\u201d Henry stated. \u201cBecause of what he is doing in the Champions League, he is on 11 goals.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is scoring without penalties, and he still contributes to defending, pressing, and supporting his full-back. That\u2019s the mark of a complete player.\u201d<\/p>\n

Salah and Kane in the Running for Ballon d’Or<\/h2>\n

While Henry acknowledged Salah and Kane as worthy contenders, he pointed out a crucial distinction \u2013 penalty goals.<\/p>\n

Salah has been having a record-breaking Premier League season, and Kane has netted 32 goals across all competitions, including 10 in the Champions League.<\/p>\n

However, Henry argued that Raphinha\u2019s tally, achieved largely without penalty kicks, makes his numbers even more impressive.<\/p>\n

Liverpool\u2019s European campaign came to an end against PSG, while Bayern Munich\u2019s quarter-final meeting with Inter Milan keeps Kane\u2019s hopes alive.<\/p>\n

If the England captain can guide Bayern to Bundesliga and Champions League triumphs, he could still stake a serious claim for the Ballon d\u2019Or.<\/p>\n

Mbappe Still the Bookmakers\u2019 Favorite to Win Ballon d’Or<\/h2>\n

Despite Henry\u2019s endorsement of Raphinha, the best betting sites’<\/a> current favourite to win the 2025 Ballon d\u2019Or remains Real Madrid\u2019s Kylian Mbappe.<\/p>\n

The French superstar has 28 goals to his name this season and has a crucial second-leg tie against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League<\/a> on Wednesday.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Thierry Henry has made a bold prediction in the race for the 2025 Ballon d\u2019Or, snubbing Liverpool\u2019s Mohamed Salah and Bayern Munich\u2019s Harry Kane in favour of Barcelona\u2019s Raphinha. The Arsenal legend believes the Brazilian winger\u2019s performances in the Champions League have set him apart from the competition. Raphinha\u2019s Champions League Heroics Could Earn Him […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":349,"featured_media":14482,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-39971","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-football"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThierry Henry\u2019s Ballon d\u2019Or Prediction: Raphinha over Salah<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Thierry Henry backs Barcelona\u2019s Raphinha for the 2025 Ballon d\u2019Or over Mo Salah and Harry Kane. 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