Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Photo by Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images For Laureus

Brazil and AC Milan legend Cafu has weighed in on the Ballon d’Or race between Mohamed Salah and Barcelona’s Raphinha.

Both players have delivered career-defining campaigns, but their paths to football’s most prestigious individual prize could be influenced by Barcelona’s European success.

Salah’s Premier League heroics have been nothing short of extraordinary.

The Egyptian forward leads Europe’s top five leagues in both goals (27) and assists (18), propelling Liverpool to the brink of their 20th English title.

His 54-goal contributions across all competitions underscore a season of relentless productivity, blending clinical finishing with creative brilliance.

Yet, his Ballon d’Or ambitions suffered a critical blow in March, when Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League to Paris Saint-Germain.

Salah failed to score across both legs of the tie, and his tearful reaction after the penalty-shootout defeat at Anfield symbolized a missed opportunity to cement his legacy.

Historically, the Ballon d’Or has favoured players who excel in Europe’s premier club competition.

The last player to win without Champions League glory or an international trophy was Lionel Messi in 2019, who claimed the award after a dominant La Liga campaign.

In contrast, Raphinha has thrived on the Champions League stage, emerging as Barcelona’s talisman.

The Brazilian winger has racked up 12 goals and seven assists in 12 European appearances, including decisive contributions in knockout-stage wins over Bayern Munich and Benfica.

Domestically, he’s been equally impactful, with 15 goals and eight assists in La Liga, driving Barça’s title charge.

His 33 goal involvements (22 goals, 11 assists) across all competitions—many coming in high-stakes matches—have made him the bookmakers’ favourite.

But his compatriot in Cafu does not seem to think so.

Speaking to Win Win Sports, the World Cup winner believes that Mohamed Salah is one of the greatest players in the world right now, and should win the Ballon d’Or at least once In

“We can certainly consider Mohamed Salah one of the best and greatest players in the world right now,” Cafu said to WinWin.

“He is shining and performing brilliantly for Liverpool.

“I think it’s only a matter of time until Mohamed Salah or Vinicius Junior wins the Ballon d’Or.

“My advice to them is to keep training, scoring goals, and shining?

This is the best way to respond to criticism and prove that they truly deserve the Ballon d’Or.”

As mentioned, The Ballon d’OR’s voter base—journalists, coaches, and captains—often prioritizes continental success.

This precedent suggests Salah’s league heroics might not suffice unless voters break tradition.

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone