Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News 
Raphinha as soon as once more proved his value for Barcelona within the Champions League, delivering a match-winning efficiency within the second leg of the spherical of 16 towards Benfica.
Scoring twice within the 3-1 victory, the Brazilian winger not solely secured his staff’s development but additionally cemented his place because the event’s prime scorer with 11 objectives.
His distinctive kind has now positioned him firmly within the dialog for the celebrated Ballon d’Or.
Henry agrees
Soccer legend Thierry Henry echoed this sentiment. Whereas talking on CBS Sports activities, the previous French ahead was requested concerning the main candidates for the Ballon d’Or and didn’t hesitate to place Raphinha on the prime of the checklist.
In keeping with Henry, Raphinha has been the standout performer within the Champions League this season, making a powerful case for the award.
Whereas gamers like Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane are additionally among the many favourites, Henry highlighted Raphinha’s skill to attain with out counting on penalties—an element that would set him aside within the last consideration.
“He’s up there. Raphinha is forward for me now. He’s scored 11 objectives within the Champions League. Mo Salah is a good candidate, Kane is a candidate, and Dembele relies upon.
“Raphinha is forward, with the Ballon d’Or.”
Thierry Henry believes the Barcelona star is an early favourite to take dwelling the celebrated award 👇 pic.twitter.com/6t6V4meq0J
— CBS Sports activities Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 11, 2025
“For those who do properly within the Champions League and likewise win your league, clearly you’ll have an opportunity,” he defined.
Henry’s clarification
Past simply his goal-scoring prowess, Raphinha’s all-round recreation has been important for Barcelona. His defensive contribution, work price, and urgent skill make him a whole ahead—one thing that Henry believes is usually neglected.
“Raphinha is at his greatest, with numerous objectives and just one penalty. It’s unbelievable, however we have to speak somewhat bit extra about him.”
He defined {that a} ahead’s job is not only about scoring but additionally about urgent, monitoring again, and serving to out defensively, and Raphinha excels in all these elements.
“What Raphinha is doing, apart from defending in stress? As a result of if you find yourself a whole striker you additionally need to know the right way to press, defend, assist the fullback and press properly.
“There are numerous issues to do and Raphinha does all of them,” he famous.
This season has been one of the best of Raphinha’s skilled profession. In 41 appearances throughout all competitions, he has recorded 27 objectives and 19 assists, numbers that put him in competition for soccer’s highest particular person honour.
Nonetheless, statistics alone will not be sufficient to win the Ballon d’Or. For the Brazilian to have a severe shot at lifting the trophy, he might want to information Barcelona to silverware by the tip of the season.
