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.
13. Desire Doue - Paris Saint-Germain - 100/1
Another Paris Saint-Germain star, the 20-year-old is an outsider for the award, with odds of 100/1. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
14. Virgil van Dijk - Liverpool - 100/1
The Anfield skipper Liverpool claim their second English Premier League title last season, and is named on the list of potential favourites to win the award - his odds are high, though. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
15. Gianluigi Donnarumma - Manchester City - 100/1
The big Italian enjoyed a brilliant season in the French capital with Paris Saint-Germain, and is the only goalkeeper named on this Ballon d'Or odds list. Has recently joined Manchester City, and has odd of 100/1 to claim the award. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
16. Pedri - Barcelona - 100/1
Another Barcelona star in the running for the award, Spanish starlet Pedro is 100/1 to claim the prize. | Rafa Babot Photo: Rafa Babot
17. Harry Kane - 100/1
Despite an outstanding year for Bayern Munich, the England captain is a rank outsider to win the Ballon d'Or this year. | Bradley Collyer Photo: Bradley Collyer
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18. Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid - 100/1
The England and Real Madrid superstar is an outsider for the award at 100/1. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images