Exclusive: Salah on Course for Ballon d'Or and Champions League Success with Liverpool

Borussia Dortmund legend Mohamed Zidan believes Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is on track to be crowned the next Ballon d’Or winner.

The Egyptian is being in superlative form for the Reds across all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign, with the 32-year-old breaking numerous records.

Salah was directly involved in 39 Premier League goals in 2024, scoring 23 and providing 16 assists. Remarkably, he contributed to 14 English top-flight goals in December 2024 (7 goals, 7 assists), surpassing Luis Suarez’s 11-year record.

Aside from topping the league’s scoring charts with 17 goals, the former Chelsea man leads the assist table (13) His two assists in the 5-0 thrashing of West Ham United helped him surpass David Beckham, moving into the top ten of the Premier League’s all-time assist makers.

With this in mind, his fellow Egyptian, a two-time Bundesliga champion with Dortmund and a three-time Africa Cup of Nations winner with Egypt, has spoken highly of Salah’s chances of succeeding Manchester City’s Rodri for the elusive Ballon d'Or.

BALLON D’OR? THE STATS DON’T LIE!

In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com, Zidan claims that the Liverpool 'legend' is set to be crowned the world's best next year, provided there are no setbacks.

"Salah has been exceptional so far this season, and if he maintains this form, he could be on track to win the Ballon d’Or," he said.

"His outstanding performances and impressive statistics speak volumes about his talent and determination. With his consistent contributions and ability to deliver in crucial moments, he continues to solidify his place among football’s elite." 

"If he avoids setbacks and sustains his current level of play, the prestigious award might be within his reach. He has accomplished almost everything in football."

"He’s won the Champions League and the Premier League, earned the Premier League’s Best Player award, and claimed the Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer. Now, we hope he can secure this ultimate prize."

Liberia’s George Weah remains the only African to have won the Ballon d’Or, triumphing over Jurgen Klinsmann and Jari Litmanen in 1995. Salah will be hoping to end the 30-year wait and break the longstanding curse.

LIVERPOOL FOR LEAGUE & EUROPEAN GLORY

The 43-year-old also stated that Liverpool have a strong chance of winning both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League this season due to their impressive form.

Unbeaten in their last 14 league matches, Arne Slot's team top the table with 45 points after 18 matches, six points ahead of second-placed Arsenal and eight points clear of third-placed Nottingham Forest.

The Anfield giants are also soaring in the Champions League, having won all six of their matches so far this season. Zidan suggests that with Salah’s current form, winning both competitions is a strong possibility.

He continued: "I think this year they have a bigger chance. I think this year, actually, they have a bigger chance to win the Premier League and the Champions League."

"They have won all six games in the Champions League. It's the only team who won all the games. They are competing very well in the Champions League. He's doing very well."

"And I believe that they have a very good chance to win the Premier League this year. Even though the competition is very tough and it's very close to all the other teams."

"But if Liverpool keep playing the way they are doing, I think they can win the Champions League and the Premier League."

SHOULD SALAH LEAVE LIVERPOOL?

Salah joined Liverpool from AS Roma in 2017 for a reported fee of £36.5m. Eight years later, he has solidified his place as a club legend, leading the team to Champions League and Premier League triumphs while becoming the Reds' all-time top scorer in both competitions.

His contract at Anfield is set to expire at the end of the season, with several clubs, particularly Paris Saint-Germain, expressing interest in signing him.

When asked about where Salah’s destination should be, Zidan responded: "If you believe Salah should leave Liverpool, the question is, where would he go?"

"He’s already at one of the world’s biggest clubs, performing at an exceptional level. He's a legend. He's the best player who ever played in the club. So, it would be ridiculous for me to think Salah should leave."

"He’s at the top of his game, the best player in the team, and the most important player. If he were to leave and not perform as he is now, I’d still wish him the best."

"Whether he stays at Liverpool or moves on, we will always support him. We’ll follow him wherever he goes and be proud of everything he achieves because he represents us, Egypt, and African football."

"Ultimately, it’s his decision, and his management’s decision. We just want him to stay at the top of his game."