The Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place in Paris tonight, with Liverpool featuring strongly across several men’s award categories.
When the nominations were announced last month, seven Liverpool representatives made the cut. Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, and Florian Wirtz were included in the 30-man shortlist for the men’s Ballon d’Or. Meanwhile, Alisson Becker is in contention for the Yachine Trophy, new head coach Arne Slot is up for Men’s Coach of the Year, and Liverpool FC is nominated for Men’s Club of the Year.
Egypt boss backs Salah for Ballon d’Or glory
Egypt’s national team coach, Hossam Hassan, has publicly voiced his support for Salah to win the prestigious individual award — something no Liverpool player has done since Michael Owen in 2001.
In a translated Instagram post, the 59-year-old said:
“Given the obstacles he’s faced throughout his journey, he deserves it. For the challenges he’s conquered, he deserves it. For his years of brilliance and consistency in the toughest league in the world, he deserves it.
“Getting to the top is tough, but staying there is even harder — and Salah has done just that. Through God’s grace, and his own talent, work ethic, and perseverance, he’s become a true inspiration for anyone chasing success.
“Isn’t it time the football world gave him the recognition he deserves? We, along with all Egyptians and Salah fans worldwide, hope to see him finally lift the Ballon d’Or — a fitting tribute to a remarkable career that may never be matched in Egyptian, Arab, African, or even global football.”
Does Salah have a realistic shot at winning?
Hassan’s heartfelt message mirrors the sentiments of many Liverpool supporters who would love to see the 33-year-old acknowledged as the world’s top footballer. Jamie Carragher has also claimed recently that Salah has “a great chance,” while Sky Sports named him the Premier League’s best hope for the main prize.
However, Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele is widely seen as the front-runner. With 43 goal contributions last season and a key role in PSG’s first-ever Champions League win, the Frenchman has strong backing from bookmakers.
Even if Salah misses out, Liverpool still have other chances of success. PSG’s European triumph makes them and manager Luis Enrique favourites in the club and coach categories, but Alisson could still walk away with the Yachine Trophy.
While many fans will already be thinking ahead to Liverpool’s Carabao Cup tie against Southampton tomorrow, seeing any of the club’s nominees earn recognition tonight would be a proud moment.
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