Hendrick: “No valid argument for Mohamed Salah not win Ballon d’Or” | OneFootball

Mo Salah and Ballon d’Or: An Argument for the King of Africa

Liverpool’s Mo Salah continues to shine brightly in world football, yet his chances of winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or remain contentious. A recent discussion on the Daily Red podcast, featuring Dave Hendrick, dives deep into Salah’s remarkable season and why his Ballon d’Or case deserves more recognition. With the podcast offering some clear insights, let’s take a closer look at the reasons why Salah is arguably the most deserving candidate for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

Mo Salah: A Historic Domestic Campaign

In what many regard as his best season yet, Mo Salah put up numbers that are difficult to ignore. As Dave Hendrick put it during the podcast, “Mo Salah has been the best player in the world this season. It’s not debatable.” His achievements include 34 goals in 23 league appearances, 25 assists, and a performance that eclipses even the greats like Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luis Suárez. Hendrick compared this incredible feat to Salah’s consistency, saying, “This season wasn’t an outlier for Mo. It’s par for the course. He’s been putting up these numbers year after year.”

Salah’s domestic success was not limited to his impressive goal tally. He also became the first player in Premier League history to sweep the board with the Football Writers’ Player of the Year, Premier League Player of the Year, PFA Player of the Year, Golden Boot, and Playmaker of the Year awards all in one season. As Hendrick further noted, “No one else has done this before in English football—nobody’s even come close.”

The Challenges Mo Faces for Ballon d’Or Recognition

Despite Salah’s record-breaking season, it seems that his achievements are often overshadowed by players from other leagues, particularly those from Europe. Dave Hendrick pointed out the unfair bias that African and Arab players face, noting, “Mo’s biggest issue is that he’s Egyptian. There’s a clear bias against African and Arab players when it comes to the Ballon d’Or.” This bias has undoubtedly impacted Salah’s chances, even though his performances have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Hendrick further explained how Ousmane Dembele, a player who scored 33 goals in a relatively weaker French league, is still considered a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or, despite his inconsistent form in previous seasons. “Dembele had a tremendous season, yes, but PSG’s dominance in France makes his accomplishments less impressive,” Hendrick argued. “The French league is just not as competitive as the Premier League.”

Mo Salah vs. The Competition

The Ballon d’Or race has often been reduced to a battle between a few select names, but as Hendrick passionately highlights, “Salah’s numbers speak for themselves. If you compare him to other players, especially from the weaker leagues, he deserves the Ballon d’Or.”

While players like Raphinha have had great seasons, Hendrick stresses that Salah’s season is more remarkable, primarily due to the sheer strength of the Premier League. “Salah is playing in the toughest domestic league, where the competition is more intense,” he said. “Raphinha’s numbers might look good, but he hasn’t been as prolific as Salah in the world’s toughest league.”

Additionally, Hendrick brought up the performance of Lamine Yamal, who is being hailed as the next big thing in football. While he acknowledged Yamal’s incredible talent, he was quick to point out that the 17-year-old still has much to prove. “Lamine Yamal is going to be special, but he’s not there yet. He’s not even the best player in his team right now,” Hendrick explained. “To suggest that he should win the Ballon d’Or over Mo is, frankly, ridiculous.”

Conclusion: Mo Salah’s Ballon d’Or Case

There is no denying the excellence Mo Salah has shown in the 2024 season. His consistency, combined with his ability to break records and deliver on the biggest stages, makes him a worthy contender for the Ballon d’Or. As Dave Hendrick concludes, “If anyone deserves the Ballon d’Or this year, it’s Mo Salah. He’s been exceptional, and it’s about time the football world recognises that.”

Ultimately, it’s clear that Salah’s domestic success, paired with his unparalleled consistency in the toughest league in the world, should make him a frontrunner for this year’s award. However, as Hendrick highlighted, it’s crucial that Liverpool, fans, and the media rally behind Salah’s campaign. His achievements are far too impressive to be overlooked.