Liverpool have seen another outstanding season from Mo Salah go unnoticed by the Ballon d’Or voters, and Jamie Carragher has shared his thoughts on why the Egyptian star missed out.
Jamie Carragher on Salah and the Ballon d’Or
Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher said: “I stand by something I said before about Salah, which caused quite a stir regarding the African Cup of Nations.
“But the reality is, whether we like it or not, major trophies have a big influence.
“Usually, in years with a World Cup or Euros, the player who shines in those tournaments often wins the award.
“I believe the Champions League matters a lot too. If Liverpool had beaten PSG in last season’s Round of 16, and maybe gone on to reach the semis or even win the competition, then Salah might have won the Ballon d’Or.”
This statement comes after Ousmane Dembele won the prestigious award following an incredible season where he scored 35 goals and provided 14 assists for Paris Saint-Germain, who completed a historic treble.
BBC Sport reported Dembele’s victory over Salah, Kylian Mbappe, and Barcelona’s rising stars.
For Salah, who had the highest combined goals and assists in Europe’s top five leagues last season, missing out is a tough pill to swallow.
His 34 goals and 23 assists highlighted his huge role in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign, yet the Ballon d’Or panel chose the player who eliminated them from Europe instead.
What Carragher’s comments mean for Liverpool
Carragher’s remarks may spark debate, but they emphasize how crucial it is for Liverpool to progress far in the Champions League under Arne Slot.
The Dutch manager led the team to a Premier League title in his first season, and with signings like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, hopes for European glory are at an all-time high.
The discussion also recalls Carragher’s earlier comments about Salah and international tournaments, where he suggested Salah’s Ballon d’Or chances were limited by representing Egypt.
This drew a strong reaction from former teammate El Hadji Diouf after Senegal defeated England.
Carragher later clarified on CBS Sports that he meant no disrespect to African players or tournaments, but was merely highlighting how voters tend to favor performances in the biggest international competitions.
That controversy shows how sensitive the topic remains when discussing Salah’s legacy and African football’s significance.
For Liverpool fans, the takeaway is clear: as brilliant as our No.11 has been, the biggest stages still determine who is crowned the world’s best, and if Salah wants that honor, Liverpool will need greater success this season.
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