Former Brazil legend Ricardo Kaká has tipped Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah to claim the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Salah played a pivotal role in guiding Liverpool to Premier League glory under coach Arne Slot.
In the just-concluded Premier League season, the ex-Chelsea and AS Roma star also became the Premier League’s highest-scoring overseas player, surpassing Sergio Aguero’s record of 184 goals.
“It’s hard to decide who deserves the award now. We have to wait until the end of the season, with the Champions League final,” Kaká, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2007, told the English outlet SPORT Bible.
“As for the race, I nominate Mohamed Salah. I think Virgil van Dijk has returned to his usual level and deserves appreciation as well.”
The former AC Milan and Real Madrid ace went on to highlight other contenders: “I also nominate Kylian Mbappé, after winning the European Golden Shoe, and Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, because Barcelona won the Spanish League and the King’s Cup, and reached the Champions League semi-finals.”
Kaká wrapped up by saying, “The same goes for Dembele, who also had a great season, and if he can be the star of the final (Champions League), he will be one of the favourites to win.”
Salah capped off his outstanding campaign by earning both the Premier League Player of the Season and top goalscorer awards.
