Leeds United fans will have a keener eye than usual on this evening’s Ballon d’Or ceremony with former Elland Road star Raphinha among the favourites. The Brazilian has gone up a level since leaving the Whites for Barcelona back in 2022 and over the past 12 months has been in the form of his life.
Raphinha registered a quite incredible 34 goals and 22 assists in 57 games across all competitions last season, playing a central role in Barcelona’s league and cup double as well as their progression to the Champions League semi-finals. So far this campaign, the 28-year-old has three goals and two assists in six appearances.
Competition to be named the world’s best player is understandably high, however, with Champions League-winning Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele the frontrunner. Raphinha’s 18-year-old Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal is also widely fancied, as is Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
After months of deliberation and voting, the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris this evening, with awards being handed out from 8pm UK time. And ahead of the occasion, here is how BetVictor fancy ex-Leeds favourite Raphinha to claim the big one.
7. Cole Palmer - Chelsea - 40/1
The Blues star man led them to victory in the Conference League and the FIFA World Club Cup this year. He is priced at 40/1 to be named the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
8. Nuno Mendes - Paris Saint-Germain - 50/1
The Portuguese full-back was one of many Paris Saint-Germain players to have made a vital contribution to their continental treble win. He also secured a winner's medal in the Nations League after a penalty shootout victory over Spain. He's got odds of 50/1 to win. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
9. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia - Paris Saint-Germain - 50/1
Another Paris Saint-Germain quadruple winner, the Georgian international was a key addition to Luis Enrique's team in January when he joined from Napoli. He's priced at 50/1. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
10. Viktor Gyokeres - Arsenal - 100/1
After scoring 39 goals for Sporting CP last season before signing for Arsenal in the summer, the Swedish hitman is 100/1 for the award. | John Walton Photo: John Walton
11. Achraf Hakimi - Paris Saint-Germain - 100/1
Another of Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League stars, the Moroccan full-back has odds of 100/1 to win the coveted award this year. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
12. Lautaro Martinez - Inter Milan - 100/1
The Inter hitman made it all the way to the final of the Champions League last season, before losing to Paris Saint-Germain. He's on the list of favourites, though his odds of 100/1 mean he is not expected to win the award. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images