Mohamed Salah, the star forward for Liverpool FC, recently shared his thoughts on the prestigious Ballon d’Or, emphasizing that while he aspires to claim the title of the world’s best player, winning it will not define his career. The Egyptian international has emerged as a strong contender for the coveted trophy, which will be awarded on September 22. Salah’s impressive statistics from the previous season, in which he netted 34 goals out of 52 matches for Liverpool, certainly place him among the favorites.
Out of these 34 goals, an impressive 29 were scored in the Premier League, contributing significantly to Liverpool’s successful season where they clinched the title under the management of Arne Slot. This remarkable achievement also led Salah to equal the record for the most Golden Boot awards won by a player, marking his fourth time receiving this honor. These accomplishments have cemented his status in the conversation for individual accolades, affirming that at 33 years old, Salah remains a formidable presence in the world of football.
In a candid interview with France Football, Salah expressed, “If I win it, it would be great. If I don’t win it, I think my career will also be very good,” showcasing his perspective on personal success and accolades. He revealed that his primary motivation transcends the trophy itself, articulating a desire to win for “my people,” a sentiment that resonates deeply with his roots and upbringing. Salah acknowledged that the image of holding the Ballon d’Or is a constant presence in his mind, illustrating a strong ambition coupled with a grounded understanding of his career.
Historically, Liverpool has seen only one player win the Ballon d’Or–Michael Owen in 2001. With this context, Salah’s aspirations amplify, knowing he stands on the verge of potentially rewriting the club’s legacy in terms of individual honors. However, he is not without stiff competition for this year’s accolade. Ousmane Dembélé, who played a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s triumphant UEFA Champions League campaign, is currently favored by bookmakers. Other notable contenders include Kylian Mbappé from Real Madrid, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from PSG, and Raphinha from Barcelona, further intensifying the competitive landscape for Salah.
Reflecting on his journey, Salah reminisced about his early days playing football in Nagrig, a small village in Egypt with his brother. He admitted that during those formative years, the thought of winning the Ballon d’Or felt like an unreachable dream. “When you play in Egypt on the street, you don’t see yourself winning the Ballon d’Or,” he noted. It wasn’t until he engaged in discussions with his agent, Ramy Abbas, that the reality of such honors began to materialize in his mind. Salah confessed that his belief in achieving this pinnacle of success grew stronger during his time at Liverpool rather than during his previous stint in Rome.
The veteran forward expressed optimism about the future, citing the exciting challenges that await him, including defending Liverpool’s title, competing in the UEFA Champions League, and participating in significant tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the Egyptian national team as well as the upcoming World Cup. “Several winners in recent years have been in their thirties. So, who knows?” he pondered, suggesting that age isn’t necessarily a barrier to greatness and that opportunities still lie ahead.
As the new season progresses, Salah continues to exemplify dedication and passion for the game, remaining firmly focused on his goals both individually and as part of the Liverpool squad. The prospect of the Ballon d’Or hangs over him like a tantalizing challenge—a testament to his hard work and determination in the beautiful game. Fans across the globe eagerly await to see if Salah can add this prestigious award to his list of accomplishments and further empower a generation of aspiring footballers, particularly in his homeland of Egypt. With the stage set, all eyes will be on Salah and his pursuit of individual and team glory as the footballing world turns its focus to the forthcoming season.