Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or ranking confirmed | OneFootball

Salah secures highest Ballon D’Or ranking to date

Mohamed Salah’s relationship with the Ballon D’Or has always been defined by a sense of what might have been. On Monday evening in Paris, as Europe’s elite gathered at the Théâtre du Châtelet, the Egyptian forward was absent, his name left to echo only through the official announcements of France Football. For Liverpool supporters, it was a reminder of both his extraordinary numbers and the cruel reality of individual recognition.

Salah’s Ballon D’Or journey

The Egyptian has been a consistent contender for the award in recent years, yet never truly close to lifting it. His previous best finishes were fifth place in 2019 and 2022, respectable but reflective of a career played out in the shadow of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and now Kylian Mbappé. France Football has now confirmed that Salah finished Fourth in the 2025 Ballon D’Or ranking, a personal best that marks a significant step forward in global acknowledgement of his brilliance.

“It was the 11th of March 2025 when PSG knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League on penalties in what was a painful night at Anfield,” the memories still lingering. That evening symbolised the fine margins that often shape how careers are judged.

Absence from Paris spotlight

Liverpool’s No.11 was not part of the Reds contingent seen arriving for the ceremony. Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk and Arne Slot were all present, the latter denied the Johan Cruyff Award by Luis Enrique, while Alisson lost the Yachine Trophy to Gianluigi Donnarumma. “Salah and four other players won’t be seen at Anfield on Tuesday evening vs Southampton in the Carabao Cup,” Slot explained, a decision that suggests rest and recovery took priority over a red carpet appearance.

Photo IMAGO

Legacy and African history

Salah’s third place finish, later amended to fourth in official standings, secures his highest ever Ballon D’Or ranking, yet it also reopens the discussion about African representation in football’s grandest individual prize. George Weah, crowned in 1995, remains the only African to ever win it. For Salah, 34 goals and 23 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions were not enough to bridge that historic gap. His career continues to be one of astonishing output, even if ultimate recognition still eludes him.