The football world will turn its eyes to Paris on Monday evening as the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place at the Théâtre du Châtelet. Among the elite candidates, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah stands out as a strong contender, though experts are cautious in naming him the outright favourite.
Salah, the Liverpool forward, has been nominated for the award six times, tying him with club legends Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard for the most nominations in the club’s history. Despite never having won the accolade, Salah’s consistency in elite European football has kept him in the spotlight.
Salah’s Impact at Liverpool
Salah’s credentials for the Ballon d’Or are undeniable. He played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s Premier League triumphs, including their first league title in three decades. Last season alone, the 33-year-old scored 34 goals and registered 23 assists, culminating in a record-tying 47 Premier League goal involvements.
While his numbers are impressive, the fact that Salah has never claimed the award, combined with the age factor, makes this potentially his last realistic opportunity to lift football’s most coveted individual honour.
The Favourites: Dembele vs Yamal
Despite Salah’s impressive stats, the favourite among bookmakers and analysts is Ousmane Dembele of PSG. The 28-year-old Frenchman racked up 43 goal contributions in just 44 Ligue 1 and Champions League appearances last season. His crowning achievement came as PSG dominated the Champions League final, thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 to secure the club’s first-ever title. Coupled with their Ligue 1 victory, Dembele’s campaign is arguably the most successful in world football last season.
Hot on his heels is 18-year-old Lamine Yamal of Barcelona. The Brazilian prodigy contributed 18 goals and 25 assists across all competitions, marking himself as one of the brightest young talents in the game and a genuine threat for the award despite his age.
Other Notable Contenders
Joining Salah, Dembele, and Yamal are Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) and Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), both of whom had strong campaigns in domestic leagues and European competitions. Kane’s leadership and goal-scoring consistency continue to make him a serious contender, while Mbappé’s influence on Real Madrid’s front line keeps him firmly in the conversation.
Top Ballon d’Or Contenders
Here’s a clear list of the players expected to feature among the favourites this year:
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – Six-time nominee, Premier League champion, 34 goals and 23 assists last season.
- Ousmane Dembele (PSG) – Favourite, 43 goal contributions, Champions League winner.
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – Rising star, 18 goals and 25 assists, youngest contender.
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) – Proven goal-scorer and leader.
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – World-class forward, consistent in domestic and European competitions.
Breaking the Messi-Ronaldo Era
The Ballon d’Or landscape has dramatically shifted since the domination of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from 2008 to 2023. With both superstars now past their peak, the field is open for a new generation of players to claim the coveted trophy. Salah, Dembele, Yamal, Kane, and Mbappé represent that emerging wave, each with a unique case for being named the best in the world.
A Night of Anticipation
As the world waits for the results, football fans can expect a thrilling announcement. For Mohamed Salah, a win would be a fitting tribute to his enduring excellence and his role in Liverpool’s domestic and European success. For younger stars like Lamine Yamal, it could signal the start of a remarkable career at the very top of the game.
With PSG’s dominance, Liverpool’s Premier League brilliance, and Barcelona’s young talent on display, Monday evening promises more than just a ceremony it will be a showcase of football’s brightest stars ready to etch their names into history.
Related article: Ballon d’Or 2024 Power Rankings: Who will reign as GOAT?
