Eden Hazard has been named among the 30 nominees for the 2019 Ballon d’Or, but the Belgian star remains realistic about his chances of lifting football’s most prestigious individual award. Despite enjoying a strong year marked by consistent performances and a high-profile move to Real Madrid, Hazard believes several other players may be more deserving of the trophy.
Rather than putting himself forward as a favorite, the former Chelsea playmaker has openly backed a number of Liverpool stars who played key roles in the English club’s remarkable season. In particular, Hazard pointed to Sadio Mané, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk as the most legitimate contenders, highlighting their collective achievements with the Reds both domestically and in Europe.
Liverpool enjoyed an exceptional campaign, crowned by their UEFA Champions League triumph and a fierce Premier League title race that saw them narrowly miss out on the domestic crown. Their success was built around a core of influential players, including Mané and Salah, whose attacking contributions proved decisive throughout the season. Van Dijk, meanwhile, established himself as one of the world’s top defenders with his commanding presence at the back.
Speaking to French newspaper Le Parisien, Hazard made it clear that he would personally award the Ballon d’Or to one of the Liverpool players. He expressed particular admiration for Mané and Salah, both of whom he considers worthy representatives of African and English football at the highest level.
“Personally, I would give it to a Liverpool player,” Hazard explained. “Mané, Salah, or Van Dijk deserve it. If Sadio had won the AFCON with Senegal, there would have been no debate. It would be great if he had it. Or Momo, who is a friend of mine. It would be good for African football and for English football.”
Hazard’s comments underline the respect he has for the impact both African forwards have had on the global stage. Mané finished the season as one of the Premier League’s top scorers and also helped Senegal reach the Africa Cup of Nations final. Salah, meanwhile, continued to deliver consistent performances for Liverpool, combining goals and assists while maintaining his status as one of Europe’s most feared attackers.
While Hazard’s humility and praise for his rivals have been widely noted, the competition for the Ballon d’Or remains fierce. Historically, the award has often favored players from dominant European clubs or those who have won major international tournaments. This reality may complicate the prospects of Mané or Salah, despite their impressive individual campaigns.
Still, Hazard’s endorsement highlights the growing recognition of African talent at the highest level of world football. Even if the outcome remains uncertain, the presence of players like Mané and Salah among the nominees reflects their influence and the progress of African football on the international stage.
