Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has delivered a surprising verdict on the 2025 Ballon d’Or race, naming four main contenders whilst notably excluding one of football’s hottest young talents from his list.
The French icon made his predictions earlier this year, selecting players based on their performances across domestic and European competitions. Henry was particularly impressed by one Brazilian winger’s all-round contribution, stating this player was “ahead” of his rivals in the race for football’s most prestigious individual award.
Despite an outstanding season that saw him score 18 goals across all competitions and help his national team reach a major final, Barcelona’s 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal failed to make Henry’s shortlist. The Spanish wonderkid played a starring role in his country’s run to the Nations League final, though they ultimately fell short against Portugal on Sunday.
Henry’s four chosen contenders are Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé, and Barcelona’s Raphinha. The former Arsenal striker was particularly vocal in his praise for Raphinha, highlighting the Brazilian’s Champions League form. “Raphinha is on 11 goals in the Champions League,” Henry explained on CBS Sports. “What Raphinha is doing on top of defending and pressure – he has it all.”
Since Henry made his observations, the Ballon d’Or landscape has shifted considerably. Dembélé’s PSG claimed the Champions League crown with victory over Inter Milan, whilst Salah, Kane, and Raphinha all celebrated domestic success with their respective clubs. Yamal’s Nations League final defeat may have further impacted his chances, with Cristiano Ronaldo making his own feelings clear about who deserves the award.
Henry’s assessment underlines the fierce competition for this year’s Ballon d’Or, with established superstars and emerging talents all vying for recognition.
