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Former footballer Frank Leboeuf has questioned the decision by the Ballon d'Or committee to snub Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah. The shortlist of nominees for this year's award was released on September 4, but the diminutive Egyptian winger's name was nowhere to be found.
It is worth noting that Salah has been a consistent part of a strong Anfield side over the last eight years. Last season, he was impressive on an individual level, scoring 25 goals and providing 14 assists across 44 games.
He saw a notable dip in form as he struggled to score after suffering a hamstring injury in early 2024. He managed only three Premier League goals across 11 games when he returned to fitness. Despite winning the Carabao Cup in Jurgen Klopp's last season, he was not recognized on the Ballon d'Or shortlist.
This snub was not taken lightly by Frank Leboeuf, who began by admitting that Salah's dip in form might have led to his absence on the shortlist.
The former player said to ESPN (via Rousing the Kop):
“I have to agree a little bit with that. I think when I see Salah, I love the guy, the way he behaves first, the way he plays, of course, his football, the way he can score goals. But sometimes you can feel that it can be a little bit clumsy."
He went on to add:
“Maybe it doesn’t go according to the standard that we see with other players. But the influence that he put down, the football in the Premier League, should have been rewarded a little bit more because he has been influential for Liverpool and he has been crucial in many, many games. He deserved better than the position that most people put him in.”
Mohamed Salah is currently in the form of his life, having scored three goals and provided three assists in just three Premier League games this season. If this continues, he could end up on the Ballon d'Or shortlist next season.
Mohamed Salah has hinted at a future away from Liverpool
Mohamed Salah answered questions about his future when he spoke to the press after Liverpool's 3-0 win over Manchester United. The winger, who missed out on the Ballon d'Or shortlist for 2024, spoke about his contract, which is set to expire next summer.
The Egyptian winger partook in each goal against their eternal rivals, scoring once and providing two assists.
Afterwards, he said (via Sky Sports):
"I had a good summer and had a long time to myself to try to stay positive because as you know it's my last year at the club. I just want to enjoy it and I don't want to think about it. I feel like I'm free to play football and then we'll see what happens next year...
"So far, we don't know with which club, but so far yeah my last game here with Liverpool. It's not up to me but nobody talk to me about a contract with the club. We'll see."
Time will tell if Mohamed Salah will have another chance at the Ballon d'Or if he stays with the Reds next season.
