Mohamed Salah’s exclusion from the podium at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris stands as one of the most discussed talking points in world football.

The Egyptian talisman delivered a masterclass in consistency and finishing for Liverpool throughout the 2024/25 season, amassing an astounding 57 goals and assists combined.

Pundits and supporters had widely tipped Salah as a leading candidate for the honor, but as the Theatre du Chatelet crowd awaited the result, it was PSG’s Ousmane Dembele who ultimately clinched the prestigious trophy, followed by Lamine Yamal and Vitinha in the top three. 

Salah’s absence from the Paris ceremony was noteworthy. Instead of attending, the Liverpool delegation was represented by captain Virgil van Dijk, star goalkeeper Alisson Becker, and manager Arne Slot, signifying Salah’s preference to focus on the next campaign rather than dwell on individual accolades.

Liverpool Shows Public Support Amid Disappointment

Moments after the Ballon d’Or rankings were official, Liverpool took to social media to showcase solidarity and admiration for their veteran forward.

Posting the concise message “A season to savour from Salah,” the club released a series of photos that captured the highlights of yet another remarkable year in red for the 33-year-old.

The gesture quickly resonated among Liverpool supporters on digital platforms, prompting a wave of messages lauding Salah’s professionalism and his place in club history, regardless of award outcomes. 

Although individual honors eluded Salah this year, his sustained excellence has bolstered his legacy as one of the Premier League’s most reliable stars. The Ballon d’Or result stands as a testament to the extraordinary depth of competition at the summit of the sport, but also as a reminder of the subjective nature of such recognitions.

Dembele’s Historic Triumph and Salah’s Enduring Impact

For Ousmane Dembele, the win marks a career-defining moment, an accolade he described as “exceptional,” while expressing gratitude to his current and former clubs for supporting his journey.

The PSG winger’s humility in victory, paired with Salah’s dignified response to missing out, underlines the sportsmanship shared among the world’s elite players. 

As the dust settles, Liverpool and its fans are already focusing on the future, finding pride in Salah’s remarkable year and confidence in his continued importance to the club’s ambitions. His Ballon d’Or position may have surprised many, but in the hearts of Liverpool supporters, Salah’s legacy continues to grow with every match.