Mohamed Salah has been labeled “one of the most disrespected footballers in history” after being left out of the 30-man shortlist for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
Despite his stellar performances for Liverpool, Salah did not make the list of 30 nominees, neither did any of his Reds’ teammates, including Virgil van Dijk, Luis Diaz, and Alisson Becker.
Salah is undeniably a modern-day Liverpool legend. Over his career with the club, he has netted an impressive 214 goals and provided 92 assists in 352 games.
Last season alone, he tallied 25 goals and 14 assists across all competitions, helping Jurgen Klopp’s side secure a third-place finish in the Premier League and reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Many argue that such achievements should have placed him in serious contention for the Ballon d’Or.
The closest Salah has come to winning the Ballon d’Or was in 2023 when he finished 11th.
During the 2022/23 season, he scored 30 goals and provided 16 assists, although Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League.
Such a remarkable year would ordinarily make a player a strong candidate, yet Salah remains on the periphery of this prestigious accolade.
Salah’s exclusion from the Ballon d’Or nominations has sparked criticism among supporters.
One fan wrote, “If we’re being for real, Salah is one of the most disrespected footballers in history.”
Another commented, “100 percent always disrespected. VVD deserves to be here too.”
A third supporter remarked, “This is why no one takes Ballon d’Or seriously anymore. Popularity contest.”
While Salah and his Liverpool teammates like Virgil Van Dijk and Alisson Becker were snubbed, eight players from Manchester City and Arsenal made the list, including Erling Haaland, Rodri, and Martin Odegaard.
English players such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka were also nominated.
Bellingham, after a stunning debut season with Real Madrid, is considered one of the frontrunners.
Vinicius Jr., with 24 goals and 13 assists in a season that saw Real Madrid win La Liga and the Champions League, is also seen as the favorite.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
