Former Premier League Star has ‘No Doubts’ Over Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or Probabilities
Liverpool’s 2024/25 marketing campaign might not embrace Champions League glory, however Mohamed Salah’s particular person brilliance continues to gentle up world soccer. Because the season attracts to a detailed, a consensus is constructing round the concept the Egyptian King deserves greater than reward—he deserves the Ballon d’Or.
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And in an period the place metrics and trophies typically dictate the narrative, the numbers Salah is placing up are frankly outrageous.
Historic Numbers Gasoline the Ballon d’Or Hype
In a marketing campaign of exceptional consistency and dominance, Salah has posted staggering figures. With 27 targets and 17 assists in simply 30 Premier League video games, the winger is on monitor to hitch Thierry Henry as the one gamers in historical past to notch 20+ targets and 20+ assists in a single Premier League season.
Photograph: IMAGO
His general tally of 32 targets and 22 assists in 44 matches throughout all competitions speaks volumes. No participant in Europe’s prime leagues has come near replicating this twin output at such a excessive degree of consistency.
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It’s no shock, then, that Theo Walcott and now Paulo Di Canio has declared Salah the frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or. Talking to , Di Canio didn’t mince phrases:
“If we cease the season now, in fact there isn’t a doubt for me, Salah would win the Ballon d’Or. Golden Ball, Salah, simple.”
European Exit Doesn’t Diminish Home Dominance
There’s a standard argument that the Ballon d’Or requires success within the UEFA Champions League. However this season is shaping as much as be the exception. Salah’s Champions League marketing campaign wasn’t stellar—three targets and 4 assists in 9 video games—however the context issues. Liverpool bowed out within the spherical of 16, but Salah nonetheless managed to contribute decisively on Europe’s greatest stage.
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Di Canio acknowledged the menace posed by Actual Madrid’s Vinicius Junior if Los Blancos go all the best way in Europe:
“If Vinicius Junior now scores a aim within the Champions League semi-final or ultimate… then perhaps they’re gonna select him… however to be trustworthy, on this second, Salah is the one.”
Photograph: IMAGO
That sort of honesty cuts by means of the standard politics of awards season. It displays the sentiment of many impartial observers: Salah’s Premier League type alone is powerful sufficient to eclipse these nonetheless alive in Europe.
Absence of Worldwide Tournaments Clears the Deck
One other issue working in Salah’s favour is timing. With no European Championship or Copa America this summer time, the Ballon d’Or race will probably hinge completely on membership soccer. That ranges the enjoying area for somebody like Salah, whose nationwide staff duties with Egypt received’t have an effect on the narrative.
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In a season the place Erling Haaland has struggled with accidents and Kylian Mbappé’s numbers have barely dipped, Salah’s output stands out. The one different true competitor, as Di Canio famous, is Rodri—but the Manchester Metropolis man has additionally been sidelined.
“Rodri is out now in a season the place gamers haven’t flown distant from others, and Salah deserves it extra.”
Photograph: IMAGO
Extra Than Simply Objectives – Salah’s Affect Is Unmatched
Salah isn’t only a stats machine; he’s Liverpool’s heartbeat. Below new boss Arne Slot, he’s turn into the staff’s chief in each sense. From urgent triggers to counter-attacks, Salah’s fingerprints are on every thing good Liverpool have produced this season.
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To disregard his affect can be a disservice to the sport. Even when others carry extra silverware, nobody has redefined excellence on the pitch like Salah in 2024/25.
Our View – Anfield Index Evaluation
As Liverpool followers, we’re used to witnessing greatness in purple shirts—however what Mo Salah has produced this season is totally different. It’s uncommon to see a participant mix artistry with effectivity, aptitude with operate, ego with humility.
The person is rewriting the Premier League document books week after week, all whereas carrying Liverpool by means of a transitional season underneath Arne Slot. Sure, the Champions League exit damage. Sure, the staff hasn’t been good. However particular person brilliance like this transcends trophies.
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It’s heartening to see somebody like Paulo Di Canio put apart membership biases and name it as it’s. Salah deserves the Ballon d’Or. Not as a sympathy prize or legacy nod, however as a result of he’s earned it on advantage. Nobody has achieved extra, scored extra, or meant extra to their staff in 2024/25.
If that is certainly his ultimate season at Liverpool—a chance none of us wish to confront—then there’s no extra becoming tribute than to see him recognised because the world’s greatest. Lengthy stay the King.