He deserved it for a long time — Brazil legend Cafu picks Ballon d'Or winner

The Ballon d'Or has been hotly contested in recent years, with last year's award particularly contentious after Manchester City's Rodri beat Vinicius Junior to the prestigious honour.

This was the only time in 20 years that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were not included in the final list of nominees, and their absence has opened the door for other winners to emerge.

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This year's Ballon d'Or will certainly be keenly contested as the likes of Mohamed Salah, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Kylian Mbappe vie for the ultimate prize.

However, Cafu believes Barcelona winger Raphinha should win the Ballon d’Or because of his performances for the Catalan club this season.

Speaking to Spanish outlet Marca, the former AC Milan right-back said (via Barca Universal)

"Raphinha has deserved the Ballon d’Or for a long time.

“This year, even more so, because of all the numbers and everything he has done in the championship, not only in La Liga, but also in the Champions League.

Raphinha has scored 30 goals and provided 23 assists in 48 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions this season, as the Blaugrana chase a famous treble.