Cafu: “Raphinha is the heart of Barcelona and this year’s most deserving Ballon d’Or candidate”

Brazilian football legend and former national team captain Cafu has expressed high praise for his compatriot and Barcelona star Raphinha. According to him, Raphinha is the most deserving candidate for the Ballon d’Or this year, with very few players who can compete with him.

When asked if Raphinha could be the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or, Cafu replied clearly:

“Honestly, there are very few players in today’s football world who can truly compete with Raphinha. Maybe only Liverpool’s star Mohamed Salah can be a serious rival. These two are currently standing out at the top level. I believe they are the main contenders for the Ballon d’Or this year,” he said.

According to Cafu, Raphinha has achieved impressive results this season not only with his goals but also with his assists, setting new records at Barcelona and even surpassing Lionel Messi’s statistics.

“This season, Raphinha scored 31 goals and delivered 25 assists — proving his incredible skill once again. He even broke Messi’s record for the most goal contributions in a single Champions League season. And he did this at Barcelona, one of the world’s most elite teams, full of stars. He’s become the true leader, the engine that drives the team’s heart,” Cafu emphasized.

He also expressed his satisfaction that Raphinha wears the captain’s armband at such a historic club.

“I love that Raphinha is now captain at a great club like Barça. It’s a big responsibility and a great honor. He’s become a true leader and the main player who sets the tempo and rhythm of the team. His role as a leader is also a proud moment for Brazilian football,” Cafu added.

Currently, Raphinha’s outstanding performances are being widely discussed among fans and analysts alike. Many believe he has a strong chance of winning the Ballon d’Or, which would mark the pinnacle of his career. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!