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.
19. Scott McTominay - Napoli - 150/1
The Scottish talisman is not expected to win the award, but his incredible debut season at Napoli has given him odds of 150/1 to win it. He is the first Scottish player since Ally McCoist in 1987 to be nominated for the award. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images