Mohamed Salah can ‘no longer win Balon d’Or’ after crushing Liverpool news
Liverpool suffered a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, just five days on from their Champions League exit.
The Reds’ standout performer this term has been Mohamed Salah, who has notched an incredible return of 32 goals and 22 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.
However, the Egyptian was unable to produce the usual spark he provides Arne Slot’s side when they crashed out of the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain.
Salah also failed to muster a single shot during the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle at Wembley on Sunday.
Salah’s Ballon d’Or chances crumble at Anfield
Ahead of the Reds’ League Cup final clash with Newcastle, Richard Keys and Andy Gray discussed the Liverpool winger’s Ballon d’Or credentials.
| Mo Salah stats | 2024/25 all competitions |
| Appearances | 43 |
| Goals | 32 |
| Assists | 22 |
Speaking on beIn SPORTS [16 March] Keys asked Gray: “What do you think has happened to Mo Salah?
“Three games ago, we were all talking about him as a shoo-in for the Ballon d’Or, and he’s barely had a kick since.”
Gray replied: “Well he can’t win it now, can he? He can’t. Tell me somebody who’s won the Ballon d’Or without competing in the Champions League final and winning it.
“Not many. So I think Mo’s chances of winning it now are vastly reduced.”
Liverpool have still had a successful season as they close in on the Premier League
At the start of the campaign, Liverpool supporters were unaware of how their side would perform under Slot following Jurgen Klopp’s legendary tenure in the Anfield dugout.
But Slot looks certain to have delivered the Reds’ first Premier League title since 2020, as they sit 12 points clear of second place Arsenal at the top of the league.
The last week has been a painful one for the Anfield faithful, who have witnessed their side crash out of the Champions League, before suffering a League Cup final loss to a Newcastle side who they would have expected to beat.
However, the most important trophy for Liverpool to try and win at the start of the campaign was the Premier League, and they look certain to do so now.
Lifting the Premier League title at the end of the season would not be possible without the efforts of Salah, who has scored 27 goals and created 17 assists in the competition.
Unfortunately for him, that may not be enough.