‘It’s hard to dream’: Mohamed Salah breaks silence with honest Ballon d’Or admission as race intensifies

Mohamed Salah has been sensational all season, being the main star for the club in their successful title charge.

Salah has been in Ballon d’Or winning form this season, racking up an incredible 28 goals and 18 assists in 35 games to help Liverpool win their 20th League title.

His exceptional performances were recognised by the Football Writers’ Association, who named him the Footballer of the Year for a record-equalling third time.

In winning the prestigious award, Salah made yet another record, as he became only the second player to win the accolade three times, matching Thierry Henry’s record.

Now, he stands on the brink of further history, with the chance to become the first African player ever to win the Ballon d’Or—having firmly established his claim for the honour.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah opens up about winning the Ballon d’Or

Speaking to L’Equipe, Salah was asked about the possibility of winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, to which the Liverpool star made an honest admission.

Salah, who extended his contract with Liverpool, stated that as a child growing up in Egypt, it was hard to dream of winning it and he only started believing he could after coming to Anfield. He said: “It’s not in my hands, but obviously, one day I’d love to win the Ballon d’Or for my people.

“When you grow up in an Egyptian village, as a child, it’s hard to dream of the Ballon d’Or. It was only after coming to Liverpool that I started telling myself that ‘maybe, one day’.

“But even if I don’t win it, my career will still have been a success. I’m only thirty-two. Several recent winners were in their thirties. So, who knows?

“And next season looks exciting, with the challenge of defending our title with Liverpool, the Champions League, the AFCON with Egypt, and hopefully, the World Cup, and you already know my ambition: to win everything.”

Gabriel Agbonlahor backs Mohamed Salah to win the Ballon d’Or

The race for the prestigious award has been intense, with several top attackers forcing their way into the spotlight.

Barcelona’s Raphinha is among the leading contenders, having delivered an impressive 32 goals and 25 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions. His teammate, Lamine Yamal, has also made a strong case with 15 goals and 24 assists in 51 games.

While Kylian Mbappe isn’t widely viewed as the frontrunner for the honour, his numbers remain formidable—35 goals and four assists in 51 matches.

But former Premier League striker and talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor believes Salah is going to be the deserved winner this year because he has produced the numbers that he has, in the Premier League.

When asked who he thinks is the best player in the world right now, Agbonlahor said: “I think when looking at the best player on the planet, you have to look at different leagues they play in.

“So, for instance, you look at Mo Salah, 33 goals, 23 assists this season so far in all competitions. Mbappe has been in great form, 35 goals. Dembele 33. Raphina 32. It’s difficult, mate.

“But I can’t go past Salah because Salah has done it in the toughest league in the world. He’s been outstanding in the Premier League. You know what I mean? What he’s been doing to top defences in the Premier League.

“If you’re asking me a different question, who’s the most exciting player? Lamine Yamal.”

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