Mohamed Salah’s Unseen Brilliance in the Ballon d’Or Conversation
Salah’s Consistent Excellence
For what feels like a decade, Mohamed Salah has dazzled the football world with his remarkable talent and unwavering dedication. Since arriving at Liverpool in 2017, he has not only excelled individually but also led his team to significant achievements, including the historic 20th league title in the 2024/25 season. With record-breaking goal involvements, Salah has established himself as a central figure in Liverpool’s tactical setup, evolving from a potent winger to a creative powerhouse. Despite his accolades and contributions to the sport, the Ballon d’Or, football’s most coveted individual award, has eluded him.
A Pattern of Underestimation
Salah’s placements in the Ballon d’Or rankings—sixth in 2018, fifth in 2019, and fifth in 2022—are undeniably respectable, yet they do not reflect the magnitude of his impact. The discrepancy between his achievements and the recognition he receives raises critical questions. Why does Salah, with his impressive resume and influential presence, remain outside the sphere of serious contenders for this prestigious award?
Many attribute the Ballon d’Or’s favoritism towards players who win the Champions League each season. However, a deeper structural issue exists, one that relates to how Salah’s identity is perceived and valued in the football community.
Salah’s Perspective on Recognition
In a recent conversation with Gary Neville, Salah expressed a sense of acceptance regarding his position in the Ballon d’Or discourse, noting that some factors are beyond his control. This candid acknowledgment hints at a broader issue—while his performance on the pitch has been consistently stellar, external perceptions shaped by identity and narrative play a significant role in how he is viewed.
The Language Surrounding Salah
The way players are discussed often reveals underlying biases and cultural narratives. Salah is frequently described through a lens that emphasizes his physicality and goal-scoring prowess, yet the subtleties of his game—his tactical intelligence, playmaking ability, and leadership—often go unrecognized. This contrasts sharply with how players from different backgrounds, such as Harry Kane or Wayne Rooney, receive accolades for their more nuanced contributions.
Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism sheds light on this phenomenon, as it highlights how Western narratives often portray non-Western figures as exotic and othered, limiting their recognition to a simplified framework. Salah’s evolution as a footballer deserves to be celebrated in the same multifaceted manner as his contemporaries, yet this acknowledgment remains elusive.
Faith and Visibility in Recognition
Salah’s identity as a devout Muslim adds another layer to the discussion. His visible expressions of faith—praying after scoring or observing Ramadan—set him apart from other elite athletes. While this visibility speaks to his character and commitment, it also complicates his image in a sport where marketability often dictates recognition.
Historically, only a few Muslim players have won the Ballon d’Or, and none have centered their faith as prominently as Salah. This distinction may contribute to his being viewed differently, as his identity challenges prevailing norms in football culture.
The Impact of Salah’s Presence
Despite the challenges he faces in gaining recognition, Salah’s influence extends far beyond the pitch. A study from Stanford University highlighted a significant decline in hate crimes in Merseyside following his arrival at Liverpool, showcasing how Salah’s presence has reshaped perceptions of Islam and Arab identity. The cultural shift he has fostered is remarkable, making him a symbol of hope and unity in a city that has embraced him wholeheartedly.
What More Could He Do?
As the 2025 Ballon d’Or approaches, the question remains: what more could Salah have accomplished to secure a spot among the favorites? The answer is not about his performance, which has been nothing short of extraordinary, but rather about the narratives that surround him. The football world must confront its biases and recognize Salah not just for his goals and assists but for his profound impact on and off the field.
In a sport that often prioritizes narrative and perception, Mohamed Salah’s story is one that deserves to be told in full. His legacy is not just defined by accolades but by the cultural and emotional shifts he has catalyzed, challenging us all to see beyond the surface and appreciate the depth of his contributions to the beautiful game.