Liverpool’s emphatic 5–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur not only secured their 20th league title, equalling Manchester United’s record, but also reignited discussions about Mohamed Salah’s prospects for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. With 33 goals and 23 assists across all competitions this season, Salah’s contributions have been pivotal to Liverpool’s success. However, the competition for the prestigious individual accolade remains fierce, with several contenders showcasing exceptional performances across Europe.
What the Bookmakers Say
As of early May, betting sites not on GamStop have updated their odds for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Lamine Yamal leads at 6/4, followed by Raphinha at 9/4, Ousmane Dembélé at 4/1, and Salah at 8/1. So, most bookmakers are fairly confident than Yamal will take the title, with Salah seeming like somewhat of an outsider at the moment.
Salah’s Stellar Season
Salah has enjoyed one of his finest seasons in years, thriving once again as Liverpool’s right-sided talisman. With 33 goals and a career-high assist count since 2017–18, he’s matched the explosive form that first announced him on the world stage. His consistency throughout the Premier League campaign has reinforced his reputation as one of football’s deadliest attackers. But it’s not just the goals — Salah’s creativity and decision-making in the final third have been instrumental during Liverpool’s decisive push for the title.
In Europe, while Liverpool fell short in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, Salah still contributed 6 goals and 4 assists in the tournament, further reinforcing his importance on the continental stage. His leadership qualities have also come to the fore, especially as he continues to mentor younger attacking talents like Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo. Given Liverpool’s domestic dominance and his influence on their style of play, Salah’s statistical impact remains one of the strongest in this year’s Ballon d’Or conversation.
Competition from La Liga and Ligue 1
Despite Salah’s brilliance, the 2025 Ballon d’Or race is heavily influenced by the rise of standout performers in Spain and France. Chief among them is 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who has shattered records with Barcelona this season. Yamal’s 15 goals and 24 assists across all competitions, including key contributions in the Champions League semi-finals, have made him the bookmakers’ new favourite. His youth, composure, and vision have drawn comparisons to early Lionel Messi, and his consistency has anchored Barça’s charge toward a possible treble.
Raphinha and Ousmane Dembélé, too, remain in the spotlight thanks to elite-level form in both domestic and European campaigns. Raphinha has hit 30 goals and 22 assists in 51 appearances for Barcelona, including decisive goals in El Clásico and a Copa del Rey final win. Meanwhile, Dembélé has been reborn at Paris Saint-Germain, notching 33 goals and 11 assists while guiding PSG to a historic Champions League final, eliminating four English clubs along the way. With both peaking at the business end of the season, Salah faces formidable competition for the crown.
What Could Tip the Balance
The Ballon d’Or is rarely just about raw statistics — major international tournaments, storylines, and trophies matter. Salah’s primary hurdle is the lack of a Champions League title this season. With Egypt not participating in the Euros, unlike Yamal or Dembélé with their respective national teams, Salah will not have the opportunity to boost his international resume in the same high-profile setting.
That said, history has favoured players who deliver consistently across the domestic season. With Liverpool winning both the Premier League and EFL Cup in the last two seasons, and Salah being the undisputed talisman in both triumphs, his narrative remains compelling. Should either rival fail to bring European glory to their clubs, Salah’s stability and dominance could shift the momentum back in his favour.
Legacy and Voter Sentiment
There’s also the sentimental factor. Salah, now 32, is arguably in the twilight of his peak years. He has never won the Ballon d’Or despite being in the top 10 on multiple occasions and consistently ranking among the world’s best forwards. Some journalists and national team captains — who make up the voting pool — may view this as Salah’s last real shot at the award and lean toward honoring a player whose influence on the modern game has been undeniable.
His legacy extends beyond statistics. Salah’s impact on African football, his global popularity, and his embodiment of Liverpool’s identity over the past eight seasons make him a sentimental favourite. Should he finish the season with one or two more decisive performances — particularly in the FA Cup final — the narrative could shift decisively in his favour.
Final Verdict
Mohamed Salah remains a strong contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, but his fate depends on several moving parts. If Yamal helps Barca win the Champions League or Dembélé inspires PSG to European glory, Salah could be edged out once again. However, if the voting panel values season-long excellence, trophy influence, and career legacy, then Salah — with 56 goal contributions and a domestic double — stands as one of the most deserving candidates this year.
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