West Ham great Paolo Di Canio has shared his thoughts on the 2025 Ballon d’Or race, tipping Mohamed Salah as the frontrunner should the season end today.
According to Di Canio, Salah’s exceptional form makes him the clear winner of the prestigious award, with the Egyptian international having arguably his best season yet.
Salah has been a standout performer for Liverpool, racking up 32 goals and 22 assists in all competitions.
With 27 goals and 17 assists in the Premier League, the 32-year-old has not only emerged as the league’s top scorer but also the best playmaker, with a seven-assist lead over Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
His remarkable contributions have led to widespread calls for him to be awarded the Ballon d’Or.
Di Canio, in a conversation with FootItalia, expressed belief that Salah deserves the honor at this stage of the season.
He noted, however, that Vinicius Junior could still pose a threat if he excels in the final stages of the Champions League.
“From my point of view, if we stop the season now, of course there is no doubt for me, Salah would win the Ballon d’Or.
“But if Vinicius Junior now scores a goal in the Champions League semi final or final then plays in the final.
“Then win it, even if he plays a bad game in the final. Just to repay the fans after they didn’t give him it in the past and maybe they’re gonna choose him, but to be honest, at this moment, Salah is the one.”
Liverpool’s hopes of Champions League glory were dashed after they were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain, and they also bowed out of both domestic cups.
The Ballon d’Or often takes a player’s trophy haul into account, meaning Salah’s best chance at securing the award would require Liverpool to clinch the Premier League title—a feat the club has not achieved since Michael Owen won the Ballon d’Or in 2001.
