At mid-season 2025, Mohamed Salah appeared unstoppable for the Ballon d’Or, with a phenomenal season highlighted by 29 goals in 35 Premier League matches, propelling Liverpool to the top of English football.
The 33-year-old Egyptian embodied the Reds’ offensive revival and seemed destined to join George Weah as one of the few Africans to win this prestigious trophy. However, the end of the season contradicted these expectations, illustrating the ruthless nature of this award, which values both standout feats and consistent statistics.
The fatal turning point came in March 2025, when Liverpool, despite confirming their national dominance by winning their 20th Premier League title, were eliminated prematurely from the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain. Salah, absent from any decisive influence during this two-legged contest, saw the voters’ perception shift in favor of Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal, rising stars associated with European successes and memorable moments. This collective dip overshadowed Salah’s brilliant individual season, bolstered by a third Premier League Player of the Year title and impressive stats (34 goals and 23 assists across all competitions).
The crowning of Ousmane Dembélé as the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, after a glorious season in Paris including Ligue 1 and the Champions League titles, reflects the premium placed on signature moments in voters’ collective memory. Salah ultimately finished fourth, his best-ever ranking in this trophy, a place that nonetheless highlights the cruel paradox of personal excellence being insufficient against collective momentum and the standout exploits of other candidates. With his announced departure from Liverpool and the rise of a new generation, the ‘Pharaoh’ may be remembered as one of the great Africans who came close to the Grail without ever reaching it.
Despite this disappointment, Mohamed Salah remains an extraordinary competitor whose impact on Liverpool and African football is undeniable. His personal record in the Ballon d’Or rankings, continued performances in the Premier League and national team attest to his level of excellence. Nonetheless, in the relentless Ballon d’Or race, where European collective successes and dazzling performances often make the difference, the future seems firmly turned towards emerging stars, leaving the Pharaoh with a bittersweet taste of regret rather than ultimate consecration.