“I do feel” – Jamie Carragher knows why Mohamed Salah did not win the Ballon d’Or
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Jamie Carragher has expressed strong support for Mohamed Salah's capabilities but acknowledges that Salah is unlikely to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or. Carragher highlights Salah’s extraordinary performance during Liverpool's historic 20th league title win in the 2024/25 season, where the Egyptian forward led Europe in goal involvements. Despite this, Carragher discusses why Salah might not emerge as the frontrunner for the prestigious award.
At 32 years old, Salah remains the tactical core of Liverpool’s attack, exhibiting a blend of scoring, creating, and delivering decisive moments. However, Carragher points out that, historically, Salah has been consistently underrated in Ballon d'Or voting. His previous best rankings were sixth in 2018, and fifth in both 2019 and 2022, which many view as modest compared to his achievements.
One key factor discussed is Salah’s failure to shine in the Champions League, which often weighs heavily in Ballon d'Or considerations. Liverpool's early exit in the 2024/25 Champions League, contrasted with strong domestic dominance, appears to have diminished his chances. Additionally, Salah has not been able to capture the romantic acclaim or narrative that typically accompanies winners of the award.
Carragher and commentators note the disconnect between Salah’s on-field output—marked by record-breaking goal involvements and trophies—and a lack of wider recognition. This disparity invites questions about the criteria and perceptions shaping the Ballon d’Or, especially regarding the balance of club and continental success.
Ultimately, while Salah’s performances remain world-class, Carragher suggests that players like Ousmane Dembélé, who won the 2025 Ballon d’Or, and other nominees have overshadowed him, primarily due to multifaceted factors beyond raw statistics. Salah finished fourth in 2025’s rankings behind Vitinha, Lamine Yamal, and Dembélé, underscoring the complexities of the award's voting dynamics despite his outstanding individual and team achievements.
PP