Fans OUTRAGED as Salah Misses Ballon d’Or Shortlist—These 5 Players Made It Instead!
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has been in such phenomenal form during the 2024-25 season that it remains baffling how he was omitted from the Ballon d’Or’s 30-man shortlist last year. As the leading candidate for this year’s award, he has delivered staggering numbers in Liverpool’s title pursuit.
Following a relatively underwhelming 2023-24 season, where he struggled with form after sustaining a hamstring injury at the Africa Cup of Nations, Salah’s resurgence has silenced any doubts. Even at a lower level than his usual best, he still managed an impressive tally of 25 goals and 14 assists in all competitions, contributing to Liverpool’s League Cup victory and a comfortable return to the Champions League during Jurgen Klopp’s final campaign.
Yet, despite his notable achievements, five players surprisingly made the Ballon d’Or shortlist ahead of him.
Martin Odegaard
Arsenal concluded 2024 without any major silverware, excluding the Community Shield, and yet had four players on the Ballon d’Or shortlist. While Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were undeniable choices due to their pivotal roles in England’s run to the Euros final, and William Saliba was a defensive rock in Didier Deschamps’ France side that reached the semifinals, Odegaard’s inclusion raised eyebrows.
Even though the Norwegian midfielder played an essential role in Arsenal’s title push, his impact in the Premier League was not significantly greater than Salah’s. Both recorded 10 assists, but Salah’s goal contributions were notably higher. Moreover, Norway’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024 further weakened the case for his nomination over Salah.
Ruben Dias
Another surprising inclusion was Ruben Dias. While the Portuguese defender enjoyed a solid 2023-24 season and secured a fourth successive Premier League title with Manchester City, his nomination felt automatic rather than deserved.
Arsenal had a stronger defensive record, conceding fewer goals and keeping more clean sheets, while Dias struggled in the Champions League, conceding four goals—including an own goal—over two legs against Real Madrid. Given that City already had Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and eventual winner Rodri on the shortlist, Dias’ presence appeared excessive.
Ademola Lookman
One of the most unexpected names was Ademola Lookman. His unforgettable hat-trick in the Europa League final denied Bayer Leverkusen a historic treble, making him the first player since Jupp Heynckes in 1975 to achieve such a feat in a European final.
Read Also: Manchester United Target £29M AC Milan’s Superstar to Replace Onana
Atalanta’s triumph was monumental, as the Italian club had not secured silverware since 1963. Additionally, Lookman had played a significant role in Nigeria’s journey to the AFCON final earlier in the year. However, despite his heroics, his overall season statistics did not compare to Salah’s sustained excellence at the highest level.
Salah’s absence from the Ballon d’Or shortlist remains a puzzling omission, especially considering the players who were chosen ahead of him. With his stunning return to form in 2024-25, he appears determined to ensure such a snub never happens again.
Fans OUTRAGED as Salah Misses Ballon d’Or Shortlist—These 5 Players Made It Instead!
