Mohamed Salah has emerged as one of this season’s clear favorites for the Ballon d’Or.
Moreover, he is considered one of only two players capable of lifting the award. He faces stiff competition from Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, which adds extra spice to the race.
The Egyptian forward is in sensational form this season. He is 32 years old and has scored 26 goals. Additionally, he has provided 18 assists. Consequently, his performances have fueled Liverpool’s title challenges.
Liverpool now contend in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Furthermore, they are set to feature in the Carabao Cup final. Therefore, the club could capture three trophies by season’s end. In turn, Salah’s outstanding displays make him an instant Ballon d’Or candidate.
Renowned pundits Jamie Carragher, Thierry Henry, and Micah Richards have shared their early predictions. They all selected Salah as a top contender. Moreover, their analysis leaves little doubt about his exceptional quality.
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Thierry Henry and Micah Richards did note one caveat. They stressed that success in lifting trophies could be crucial. In contrast, Thierry Henry remarked, “If he carries on like that,” emphasizing the need for sustained excellence. As a result, every trophy won counts in this tight race.
Micah Richards further agreed that the competition will ultimately come down to Salah or Vinicius Jr. Meanwhile, Vinicius is eager to secure his first Ballon d’Or. Thus, the rivalry between the two is heating up on the global stage.
The battle is intensified by last season’s controversy. Vinicius was a favorite but narrowly lost to Manchester City’s Rodri. Consequently, Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony, sparking ongoing debate. Nonetheless, the focus now remains on this season’s achievements.
During a Champions League playoff clash, Manchester City fans mocked Salah with a banner. However, Real Madrid fought back to secure a comeback victory ahead of the second leg at the Bernabeu. Furthermore, Vinicius—who earned man of the match—claimed the banner motivated him. Ultimately, the race for the Ballon d’Or continues to captivate football fans worldwide.
