French star Thierry Henry spoke about the leading candidates for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, noting that the competition heavily relies on individual performance in the Champions League and domestic leagues.

Henry stated: "Raphinha is a complete player; he doesn't just score goals but also excels in high pressing and defensive support."

He added: "Winning the Ballon d'Or depends on individual performance, whether in the Champions League or winning the domestic league."

He pointed out: "Raphinha has scored many goals, including only one penalty, and he has netted 11 goals in the Champions League."

When asked about his opinion on Mohamed Salah's position, Henry replied: "Salah is having an exceptional season in the Premier League, and that won't be easily replicated."

He emphasized: "However, there is a player who has scored almost the same number of goals without taking penalties, which deserves attention, even though I do not diminish the importance of scoring penalties."

He continued: "I do not deny the role that Mohamed Salah or Harry Kane plays, but Raphinha has proven to be a complete player in terms of both performance and scoring."

Despite the impressive performance by the Egyptian star, his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or have become more complicated after Liverpool's early exit from the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, where the English team lost on penalties 4-1.

Nevertheless, Liverpool is still at the top of the Premier League table with 70 points, ahead of Arsenal by 15 points, who have one game in hand.

Salah has participated in 42 matches this season with Liverpool across all competitions, scoring 32 goals and providing 22 assists for his teammates.

He also leads the Premier League's top scorers with 27 goals, ahead of Manchester City's Erling Haaland.