Former Premier League Star has ‘No Doubts’ Over Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or Chances | OneFootball

Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or Case: A Record-Breaking Season Too Good to Ignore

Liverpool’s 2024/25 campaign may not include Champions League glory, but Mohamed Salah’s individual brilliance continues to light up world football. As the season draws to a close, a consensus is building around the idea that the Egyptian King deserves more than praise—he deserves the Ballon d’Or.

And in an era where metrics and trophies often dictate the narrative, the numbers Salah is putting up are frankly outrageous.

Historic Numbers Fuel the Ballon d’Or Hype

In a campaign of remarkable consistency and dominance, Salah has posted staggering figures. With 27 goals and 17 assists in just 30 Premier League games, the winger is on track to join Thierry Henry as the only players in history to notch 20+ goals and 20+ assists in a single Premier League season.

Photo: IMAGO

His overall tally of 32 goals and 22 assists in 44 matches across all competitions speaks volumes. No player in Europe’s top leagues has come close to replicating this dual output at such a high level of consistency.

It’s no surprise, then, that Theo Walcott and now Paulo Di Canio has declared Salah the frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or. Speaking to Foot Italia, Di Canio didn’t mince words:

“If we stop the season now, of course there is no doubt for me, Salah would win the Ballon d’Or. Golden Ball, Salah, easy.”

European Exit Doesn’t Diminish Domestic Dominance

There’s a traditional argument that the Ballon d’Or requires success in the UEFA Champions League. But this season is shaping up to be the exception. Salah’s Champions League campaign wasn’t stellar—three goals and four assists in nine games—but the context matters. Liverpool bowed out in the round of 16, yet Salah still managed to contribute decisively on Europe’s biggest stage.

Di Canio acknowledged the threat posed by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior if Los Blancos go all the way in Europe:

“If Vinicius Junior now scores a goal in the Champions League semi-final or final… then maybe they’re gonna choose him… but to be honest, in this moment, Salah is the one.”

Photo: IMAGO

That kind of honesty cuts through the usual politics of awards season. It reflects the sentiment of many neutral observers: Salah’s Premier League form alone is strong enough to eclipse those still alive in Europe.

Absence of International Tournaments Clears the Deck

Another factor working in Salah’s favour is timing. With no European Championship or Copa America this summer, the Ballon d’Or race will likely hinge entirely on club football. That levels the playing field for someone like Salah, whose national team duties with Egypt won’t affect the narrative.

In a season where Erling Haaland has struggled with injuries and Kylian Mbappé’s numbers have slightly dipped, Salah’s output stands out. The only other true competitor, as Di Canio noted, is Rodri—yet the Manchester City man has also been sidelined.

“Rodri is out now in a season where players haven’t flown far away from others, and Salah deserves it more.”

Photo: IMAGO

More Than Just Goals – Salah’s Influence Is Unmatched

Salah isn’t just a stats machine; he’s Liverpool’s heartbeat. Under new boss Arne Slot, he’s become the team’s leader in every sense. From pressing triggers to counter-attacks, Salah’s fingerprints are on everything good Liverpool have produced this season.

To ignore his influence would be a disservice to the game. Even if others lift more silverware, no one has redefined excellence on the pitch like Salah in 2024/25.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, we’re used to witnessing greatness in red shirts—but what Mo Salah has produced this season is different. It’s rare to see a player combine artistry with efficiency, flair with function, ego with humility.

The man is rewriting the Premier League record books week after week, all while carrying Liverpool through a transitional season under Arne Slot. Yes, the Champions League exit hurt. Yes, the team hasn’t been perfect. But individual brilliance like this transcends trophies.

It’s heartening to see someone like Paulo Di Canio put aside club biases and call it as it is. Salah deserves the Ballon d’Or. Not as a sympathy prize or legacy nod, but because he’s earned it on merit. No one has done more, scored more, or meant more to their team in 2024/25.

If this is indeed his final season at Liverpool—a possibility none of us want to confront—then there’s no more fitting tribute than to see him recognised as the world’s best. Long live the King.