Former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel has sparked headlines with his bold claim that Mohamed Salah, despite an exceptional season, was unfairly overlooked for the 2025 Ballon d’Or due to “political reasons.
Babel, who played for the Reds between 2007 and 2011, also made waves by urging current Liverpool manager Arne Slot to pursue Barcelona’s midfield maestro Frenkie de Jong as a dream signing, even suggesting the Dutch star could outshine Liverpool’s £87m-rated superstar, Dominik Szoboszlai, in the heart of the Anfield midfield.
Salah’s Ballon d’Or Snub: A Political Conspiracy?
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s talismanic forward, delivered a remarkable 2024/25 campaign, scoring 34 goals across all competitions, including an astonishing 31 in the Premier League. His efforts helped Liverpool secure the Premier League title with a commanding 10-point margin. However, at the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, Salah finished fourth, behind Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele, who claimed the prestigious award, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, and PSG’s Vitinha.
Babel, speaking in an interview with 365scores, expressed disbelief at Salah’s snub. “I don’t understand why Mohamed Salah didn’t win the Ballon d’Or,” he said. “Maybe he missed out because of political reasons? But in my personal opinion, he truly deserved it based on what he’s done for the team over time.”
The former Dutch international suggested that Liverpool’s elimination by PSG in the Champions League round of 16, decided on penalties, might have swayed voters. Despite Salah’s individual brilliance, the lack of European success could have tipped the scales against him. Nevertheless, Babel remains adamant that Salah was the most deserving candidate for the 2025 crown.
