Mohamed Salah’s aspirations of claiming the Ballon d’Or have suffered a major setback following Liverpool’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
The Egyptian forward, long considered a strong contender for world football’s most prestigious individual award, now faces an uphill battle to remain in the race.
Champions League Exit a Major Blow
Liverpool had high hopes of making a deep run in the Champions League, but their defeat to PSG dealt a crushing blow to both the club and Salah personally.
As one of Liverpool’s key players, the 31-year-old had been aiming to showcase his brilliance on Europe’s grandest stage.
However, missing out on the latter stages of the competition could significantly weaken his case for the Ballon d’Or, given the award’s historical emphasis on success in major tournaments.
Despite his outstanding performances in the Premier League—where he continues to be one of the most prolific goal scorers and playmakers—failure to lift Europe’s elite club trophy may count against him when votes are cast.
Fierce Competition in the Ballon d’Or Race
Salah’s challenge is further complicated by the presence of several high-profile contenders. Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Vinicius Junior have all delivered impressive performances this season, with each of them still competing at the highest level in the Champions League.
If one of them leads their team to victory in the competition, it could significantly boost their chances of claiming the coveted award, leaving Salah at a disadvantage.
The Ballon d’Or historically favors players who shine on the biggest occasions, and with Liverpool now out of Europe’s premier club tournament, Salah will have to rely on his domestic achievements and international displays to remain in contention.
Reputation and Leadership Under Scrutiny
Beyond statistics and trophies, Salah’s status as a global football icon also takes a hit with Liverpool’s early exit. As a player of his stature, there are expectations for him to lead his team deep into elite competitions. Falling short in the Champions League could raise questions about his ability to deliver at crucial moments.
While his impact at Liverpool remains undeniable, the defeat to PSG may affect perceptions of his influence on the big stage.
His standing as one of the world’s finest forwards is unquestioned, but in a year where the competition for the Ballon d’Or is particularly fierce, every factor will be scrutinized.
What Lies Ahead for Salah?
Beyond individual accolades, speculation continues to grow regarding Salah’s future at Liverpool. With his contract set to expire in 2025, reports linking him with a potential departure persist.
The Champions League elimination could further fuel discussions about his next move, with some suggesting he may seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.
While Salah remains a formidable force in football, the road to the Ballon d’Or has become significantly more difficult.
To remain in the conversation, he will need to deliver exceptional performances in the remainder of the season, ensuring that his contributions in the Premier League and any international outings continue to capture the attention of voters.
