Mohamed Salah has spent years as the heartbeat of Liverpool’s attack, yet he’s still chasing football’s greatest individual honor. His goals have fueled league title charges and Champions League triumphs, but ex-Liverpool defender Markus Babbel believes the Egyptian forward is on a path toward a greater milestone: the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Babbel’s confidence stems from Salah’s consistency. His 29 goals and 20 assists across 37 matches this season would be notable for any striker. For a wide forward, they’re close to unprecedented. “I’ve only seen one player on Mohamed Salah’s level with a similar record, and that’s Lionel Messi,” Babbel said. He added, “I can’t believe Salah has never been in the top three. He’s the best player in the world in his position.”
Why Babbel believes 2025 is Salah’s time for the Ballon d’Or
According to Babbel, Salah’s goal-scoring output is as prolific as a dedicated number 9, even though he operates from the flank. This season, he’s broken pre-Christmas records in the Premier League, kept Liverpool at the top of the table, and continued delivering key performances when the club needs him most. Babbel said, “The goal record isn’t normal, I can only compare him to Messi with that goal-scoring power.”
Yet despite the flurry of goals and assists, Salah has often been overlooked in Ballon d’Or voting. “If there’s any fairness, he should win it this year,” Babbel continued, although he suspects outside factors might tilt the outcome toward Real Madrid’s contenders. Even so, Babbel sees Salah as primed for the 2025 edition, given his sustained output and the spotlight he commands at Anfield.
Beyond individual accolades, Salah’s form continues to shape Liverpool’s title challenge. The club holds a strong lead in the Premier League and remains a serious threat in Europe. Valued at about $60 million in the transfer market, the Egyptian winger is showing no signs of slowing down. If he maintains his current standard, Babbel’s prediction may not be far-fetched.
In a world forever comparing the best talents in football, Babbel insists Salah’s only true rival is Messi. For Liverpool fans, that puts their star forward in exclusive company. For Salah, it’s a chance to seal a legacy.
