The football world gathers tonight in Paris as anticipation builds for the crowning of the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner.
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has delivered an impassioned plea on behalf of Mohamed Salah, urging the footballing world to finally give the Liverpool star the recognition he deserves.
Hassan highlighted the obstacles Salah has overcome and the way he has remained at the top, year after year.
“He reached the top and continued it for many years thanks to God first, and his talent, diligence and determination until he became a role model for all those looking for success,” Hossam explained as quoted by WinWinSports.
That sentiment has been echoed by some of football’s most respected figures.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola voiced his admiration, admitting: “I want Salah to win the Ballon d’Or. What he did last season was special.”
Former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro was even more direct: “For me, the Ballon d’Or winner SHOULD BE Mo Salah. He’s the BEST player. He scores so much, provides so many assists. The most balanced player last season was Salah.”
With endorsements spanning from Egypt’s national coach to Premier League rivals and European icons, the push for Salah has gathered remarkable momentum in the hours leading up to the ceremony.
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Salah stats speak volumes in Ballon d’Or contention
The numbers behind Salah’s campaign underline why the support is so strong. He led Liverpool to their first Premier League title in five years, finishing with 34 goals and 23 assists across competitions.
The consistency of his output brought him every major domestic individual prize, including the Golden Boot, Playmaker of the Year, and the PFA Player of the Year.
Yet, despite that clean sweep, bookmakers lean towards Ousmane Dembele, who produced 43 goal contributions while driving PSG to a domestic treble and their maiden Champions League crown.
Also in the conversation is Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, whose rise has been one of the stories of the season.His explosive impact has fuelled speculation that the youngster could upset the hierarchy in Paris.
The award ceremony begins at 8:00 PM CET, broadcast live on L’Équipe’s YouTube channel, hosted by Ruud Gullit and Kate Scott.
Should Salah claim victory, it would be Africa’s first Ballon d’Or since George Weah in 1995—an achievement that would etch his name not only in Egyptian and Arab football history but in the global game as well.
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