Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah remains in contention for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, but his chances of claiming the title as the world’s best player depend on a crucial condition, according to recent reports.
Despite his outstanding performances this season, Salah is not currently considered the frontrunner for the award following Liverpool’s exit from the UEFA Champions League.
The Egyptian star and his team were knocked out in the round of 16 by Paris Saint-Germain, losing on penalties after an intense battle over two legs.
Setbacks impacting Salah’s chances
Gutsshot Magazine reports that Salah was an early contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or before Liverpool endured a difficult spell in their campaign.
In addition to their Champions League disappointment, the Reds suffered another blow in the Carabao Cup final, where they were defeated by Newcastle United.
Despite his prolific goal-scoring and playmaking abilities, these setbacks have diminished his standing among the award’s top candidates.
However, Salah remains in the conversation as one of the best forwards in world football this season.
The crucial condition for Ballon d’Or glory
According to the report, Salah’s chances of securing the Ballon d’Or will largely depend on the fortunes of his rivals.
If the other leading candidates fail to progress in the Champions League and see their performances dip, the Egyptian star could emerge as a strong contender once again.
Among the main challengers for the award are Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, Barcelona’s Raphinha, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé.
These players remain in the race, particularly with their teams still competing in Europe’s elite club tournament.
Should they falter and exit the competition early, Salah’s impressive individual statistics—marked by his remarkable goal contributions—could push him back into the spotlight.
His ability to consistently find the back of the net and provide assists this season has been unmatched by many of his peers.
Salah’s path forward
For Salah to claim football’s most coveted individual prize, he will not only need missteps from his rivals but also unwavering support from his Liverpool teammates in the remainder of the season.
Strong performances in the Premier League and other competitions could further boost his credentials.
While the Ballon d’Or race remains wide open, Salah’s hopes rest on external factors beyond his control.
If the conditions align in his favor, the Egyptian star could yet make history and add the prestigious award to his growing list of accolades.
