The former Brazilian star Cafu, the former captain of the Brazil national team that won the World Cup, confirmed that Raphinha's season with Barcelona makes him a strong candidate for the Ballon d'Or, also expressing his great admiration for the talent of Lamine Yamal.

Regarding Raphinha and the Ballon d'Or, Cafu said: "I don't see many players capable of competing with Raphinha right now, maybe only Mohamed Salah. I believe the Ballon d'Or will be between them."

On Raphinha's numbers, he added: "He scored 31 goals and provided 25 assists, surpassing Messi's numbers with a team considered the best in the world; he is the beating heart of Barcelona."

Regarding Raphinha with the Brazilian national team, he continued: "Raphinha is performing wonderfully, and Brazil needs his talent and effort to win the upcoming World Cup."

On Lamine Yamal, he confirmed: "His personality is bigger than his age; he seems like a seasoned player. What he is doing with Barcelona and the Spanish national team qualifies him to be the best rising talent in the world."

On Barcelona's chances in the Champions League, he said: "There is no clear candidate, but Barcelona is doing something different on the field; it's a young team but organized, and Lamine Yamal has made the difference."

Regarding Brazilian legends at Barcelona, he pointed out: "Raphinha is not just a candidate to be one of them; he has already become the sixth after Romario, Ronald, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Neymar."

On Marquinhos, he said: "He is currently the best center-back in the world, a leader in Paris and the national team, and he lets his performance speak for him."