Mohamed Salah is currently the top contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. The Liverpool forward has been in sensational form, scoring 25 goals and providing 17 assists in just 28 games across all competitions.
His performances have helped Liverpool dominate the Premier League, sitting 13 points clear at the top. They also finished first in their Champions League group and are among the favorites to win the trophy.
Only one African player, George Weah, has ever won the Ballon d’Or, and that was back in 1995. Many wonder why no other African star has won the award in the past 30 years.
Sports writer JJ Omojuwa believes it’s mainly due to the dominance of legendary players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Zidane during this period. He also pointed out that the Ballon d’Or is influenced by eras, meaning players must shine at the right time to stand a chance.
France Football, the organizers of the award, use three key criteria to decide the winner:
- Individual performances and key moments
- Team achievements
- Class and fair play
Based on these criteria, Salah stands out this season. However, some factors could still affect his chances. If Liverpool fails to reach the Champions League semifinals or Salah’s form dips before the award ceremony, he might lose out.
Recently, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher sparked a debate by questioning the significance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He suggested that it is not a major tournament, which angered many African football legends.
Former Nigeria captains John Mikel Obi and Jay-Jay Okocha criticized Carragher’s comments. Mikel called them “disrespectful” and reminded him that England has not won many international trophies.
Omojuwa also defended AFCON, stating that all continental tournaments are important and should not be dismissed.
Interestingly, George Weah won the Ballon d’Or based on his European club performances, even though Liberia has never been a dominant African football nation. This raises the question of whether AFCON success should play a bigger role in deciding the award.
Salah has a strong chance of winning the Ballon d’Or if he maintains his incredible form. However, debates around AFCON and the timing of the award could impact the final decision. Whether he wins or not, Salah has already proven himself as one of the best players in the world.
