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Mohamed Salah is having the kind of season that puts you firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation. As Liverpool chased a historic campaign in the earlier stages of the season, his chances have always looked promising – his form has been electric, and by February, a treble was very much on the cards. But in the space of just over a month, everything has changed. Now, Liverpool are left with only one trophy to fight for. So, what does that mean for Salah’s hopes of claiming football’s most prestigious individual award?
For much of the season, Liverpool seemed unstoppable. They were cruising in the English Premier League, progressing well in Europe, and making a serious push in the domestic cups. Salah was leading the charge, delivering crucial goals and assists that kept their treble dream alive.
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Then February hit.
A surprise FA Cup exit to Plymouth Argyle raised a few eyebrows. It was a game Liverpool should have won with ease, but with the Carabao Cup, Champions League, and Premier League still up for grabs, it didn’t feel like a major setback. Just a bump in the road.
Then came March.
A loss to PSG in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 changed everything. Liverpool’s European campaign ended far earlier than anyone had anticipated. Days later, they lost the EFL Cup final to Newcastle United, another trophy slipping away.
From there, a treble chase has now turned into a single-minded focus on the Premier League.
Only one African player – George Weah in 1995 – has ever won the Ballon d’Or. Since then, players like Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, and Mohamed Salah have all come close, but none have claimed the prize. The latest near miss was Sadio Mané in 2022. After winning AFCON, lifting two domestic cups with Liverpool, and playing a key role in their Champions League final run, he finished second. But despite that, Karim Benzema claimed the trophy after guiding Real Madrid to Champions League glory.
For Salah, it’s clear: individual brilliance isn’t enough on its own. The players who mostly win the Ballon d’Or are usually those who have the silverware to back up their performances. And while Salah’s form remains exceptional, his chances could take a hit if the trophies don’t follow.
Salah’s numbers this season are nothing short of exceptional – 32 goals and 22 assists across all competitions – but we know that stats alone don’t win Ballon d’Or votes. Team success carries just as much weight.
The challenge for Salah is that his main competitors are still firmly in the hunt for major trophies. Kylian Mbappe and Vinícius Jr. are both favorites in the Champions League, with their teams still chasing league titles and a potential Copa del Rey final. Meanwhile, Raphinha, who is very much in the conversation, has Barcelona competing for several trophies, which only enhances his chances further.
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The big question now is: Does Salah still have a chance to win it?
The Premier League is a major trophy, but Salah likely needs more. If Liverpool win the title and Salah finishes as the standout player, his case strengthens. A dominant finish could push the conversation back in his favour, but he needs to be the best in the league, not just at Liverpool.
However, others have stronger claims. If Vinícius Jr, Mbappe or Raphinha win the Champions League, their league, and possibly the Copa del Rey, it will be tough for Salah. His best chance? Liverpool winning the title, Salah finishing with remarkable numbers, and his individual brilliance outweighing the lack of multiple trophies.
One factor in Salah’s favour is the narrative. He’s been one of the most consistent performers in world football but has never won the Ballon d’Or. If he finishes the season strong, there could be a sentimental push for him.
For now, he’s still in the race, but the odds obviously don’t favour him as much as it was. His challenge is proving he’s the standout footballer, even if others win more.
