Brazil legend Romario snubs Ballon d'Or favourite, names 3 best footballers of 2025

Brazilian football legend Romario has revealed his top three players in world football, overlooking stars like Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, and Ballon d’Or contender Ousmane Dembele.

In an ESPN interview, the 1994 World Cup winner and former Barcelona icon, now 59, spotlighted three La Liga talents.

Leading his list is Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, whom Romario hailed as the best in the world at the moment.

“In first, at the moment, I’d go Lamine Yamal, because he’s made a difference playing for Barcelona,” he said.

The 17-year-old has delivered 16 goals and 22 assists for Barcelona last season, leading the club to a domestic treble.

Second is Barcelona’s Raphinha, Romario’s compatriot, who has shone brightly this season. “He has been outstanding this season with goals and assists, except the last two games where he was a bit quiet,” Romario noted.

Raphinha’s 34 goals and 20 assists in 57 matches made him a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or.

Rounding out the trio is Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, lauded for his lethal finishing. Romario called him a “deadly striker,” adding, “his goals this season have been exceptional.

The main shock was Romario's decision to leave out Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and treble winner Ousmane Dembele, who is the favourite to pip Yamal to the Ballon d'Or.