Ballon d’Or: Liverpool icon, McManaman picks LaLiga star to win award
Liverpool legend, Steve McManaman has picked Barcelona superstar, Raphinha to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
According to the Real Madrid icon, the Barcelona star is a bonafide contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Raphinha is still in the race to win the Champions League this season after Barcelona knocked out Benfica in the Round of sixteen on Tuesday.
There is the general belief that Raphinha could be crowned if he leads his side to the UEFA Champions League title this season.
Raphinha has scored 27 goals and made 19 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions.
The Brazilian has helped Barcelona stay top of LaLiga, reached the semifinals of the Copa del Rey and the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
Speaking on TNT Sports, 53-year-old McManaman, said, “As a winger he needs to be discussed. We talk about Mo Salah, but we have to put this gentleman in the conversation.”
McManaman went on to name other contenders, asserting that the Champions League will be decisive in the Ballon d’Or race.
He added, “Likewise Robert Lewandowski, likewise Harry Kane and it’ll all depend on who lifts the Champions League.
“They are all deserving at this moment in time… They all deserve a mention. Whoever wins the Champions League will probably be favourite (to win the Ballon d’Or).”
Raphinha will hope to remain in perfect shape when Barcelona face Atletico Madrid in a high-stakes clash on March 16.
Ballon d’Or: Liverpool icon, McManaman picks LaLiga star to win award
