Barcelona midfielder Gavi has named who he thinks should win the 2025 Ballon d’Or – and it’s not Raphinha or Lamine Yamal.
Gavi, 20, came on during Barcelona’s 3-1 (4-1 on aggregate) victory over Benfica in the Champions League round of 16 at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium on Tuesday evening.
However, the stars of the show were Yamal, 17, and Raphinha, 28.
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The Brazilian scored twice and provided an assist for the teenager’s sensational first-half strike, which took the former Leeds United man’s goal contribution tally to a total of 46 in 41 appearances this term.
"You can argue that with his numbers this season, [Raphinha's] in contention for the Ballon d'Or," former Bayern Munich and Man United midfielder Owen Hargreaves said on TNT Sports.
"His finishing has been out of this world; he’s captain of the club, and he's been an absolute revelation. I think currently you would say he might be in the lead for the Ballon d'Or."
"Salah and Raphinha have similar numbers in terms of goals and assists, which is quite remarkable," Hargreaves added.
"You have to win the big trophies. If you win the big ones, then you’ve got a chance. I think right now it's probably Salah, but Raphina is very close."
Of course, given the fact there is no major international tournament this summer, the vote will not be influenced by the Copa America, World Cup or European Championships like it was last year when Manchester City’s Rodri pipped Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr to the prize, having helped Spain win Euro 2024 in Germany as well as lifting the 2023/24 Premier League.
However, Gavi named another Spanish player who he feels deserves to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or.
“Nobody deserves the Ballon d’Or more than Pedri, everyone knows what kind of a player he is," Gavi told reporters after Tuesday's fixture.
Pedri, 22, won the Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy in 2021 but has since struggled with injuries - although there is no doubting his talent on the pitch.
The Spain international previously discussed how he "hopes" to have the opportunity to win the Ballon d'Or.
"I hope I have the opportunity to be [a Ballon d'Or winner], it is a very complicated prize," he told SPORT in 2022.
"You must be the best in the world, I have a lot to learn and improve so that this day can come."
Topics: Barcelona, Champions League, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Ballon d'Or, Football
Luke Davies