Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah could win the Ballon d'Or this season — but only if he wins the Champions League under Arne Slot. That is the view of Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson, who believes that UEFA's top competition will end up holding a lot of weight.
"Mohamed Salah’s numbers are just mind-blowing," Merson said. "But performances in the Premier League alone won’t help him win the Ballon d’Or.
"Liverpool have to win the Champions League for Salah to become a Ballon d’Or winner in 2025. I don’t like that if I’m being honest because we are in the toughest league and performances here should be deserving enough, but this is just how these awards work.
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"Salah has scored and assisted in a game on 11 different occasions this season. Most players would be happy if they did that in their entire career! He’s certainly one of the best players in the world."
Over the weekend, Salah scored the opening goal as Liverpool moved 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League table by beating Manchester City. The Reds take on PSG in the last-16 of the Champions League with the two legs in that tie set to take place in the next couple of weeks.
"Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr are the other candidates," Merson, writing for Sportskeeda, said. "Both of them will stand a chance at winning the Ballon d’Or if Real Madrid win the Champions League."
Salah has scored 25 goals in the Premier League this season. Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland, who are both on 19, is the closest player to challenging him for the domestic Golden Boot. Meanwhile, Salah also leads the way for assists on 16, which is six more than Bukayo Saka, Mikkel Damsgaard and Antonee Robinson.
Liverpool.com says: Salah should be nailed on for the Ballon d'Or given how well he is playing. He is near certain to pick up the PFA Player of the Year award in England, though Merson is right about how much weight the Champions League holds with the Ballon d'Or. Going far in Europe should be possible for the Reds, who will be favorites in every tie they face until at least the semi-finals, though winning the Champions League always comes down to an element of luck along the way.
