Jorge Mendes thinks one man will win the Ballon d’Or over Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah this season despite a simply remarkable campaign.

Mendes is arguably the world’s most iconic football agent, responsible for players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho and David De Gea.

Last summer, he brokered the ill-fated deal between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea for Portuguese forward Joao Felix and has now had his say on the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

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Many have tipped Mohamed Salah to win the Ballon d’Or this year, after enjoying a standout season in which the Egyptian has contributed towards 56 goals in all competitions, playing a vital role in securing Liverpool’s second Premier League title.

Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

The lack of competitors reaching the latter stages of the Champions League seemed to favour Salah’s chances at achieving Ballon d’Or glory – but not according to Mendes.

Opting to vouch for a star he represents, Mendes has declared that Lamine Yamal should be given the award after displaying talent way beyond his modest age all season long.

Mendes issued a vote of support for the winger’s Ballon d’Or bid: “Lamine Yamal deserves to win the Ballon d’Or this year.

“He’s been the best player in the world this season, that’s very clear.

Lamine’s level has been worth the Ballon d’Or”.

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The 17-year-old announced himself on the world stage at EURO 2024, playing a crucial role in Spain’s success at the tournament.

Yamal has brought that form into this season, regularly impressing throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

The duo have both enjoyed sensational seasons, and their campaigns somewhat mirror each other.

Both have been vital to their team’s success in the league, with Liverpool already confirmed champions while Barcelona are within touching distance of claiming their 28th La Liga title.

Salah vs Yamal 2024/25 Mohammed SalahLamine YamalAppearances:5052Goals:3316Assists:2324

Salah has contributed directly to goals more often than Yamal – which is to be expected due to his wealth of experience and talismanic role in Arne Slot’s side.

Whereas the Barcelona wunderkind has played more of a supporting role to goalscorers such as Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, but has wowed audiences with his silky skills and mesmeric dribbling ability.

He has also picked up a couple of domestic honours, which gives him a slight edge over Salah, alongside his extended venture to the Champions League semi-finals, whilst his Egyptian adversary exited in the round of 16 stage.

As a result, Mendes’ call may be correct, as Yamal’s portfolio seems to hold more weight than Salah’s.

Time will tell who is awarded the prestigious trophy later this year, but one thing is for certain – Yamal and Salah have both enjoyed exceptional seasons, with the pair staking strong claims for Ballon d’Or success.


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