Mohamed Salah’s 2023 performances have been truly breathtaking, further cementing his status as a global football icon. With this being his 5th nomination, he is a deserving contender for the Ballon d’Or 2023.
Mohamed Salah, commonly referred to as Mo Salah, is an Egyptian professional footballer who plays as a right winger for Premier League club Liverpool and captains the Egypt national team. He is considered one of the best players of his generation and among the greatest African players of all time. Egyptian Ballon d’Or 2023 nominee has achieved numerous individual accolades, including two PFA Players’ Player of the Year awards, three Premier League Golden Boots, the Premier League Player of the Season, Premier League Playmaker of the Season, and finished third for the Best FIFA Men’s Player in 2018 and 2021. He also received the 2018 FIFA Puskás Award.
At the international level, Salah has represented Egypt in various tournaments and has been named CAF African Footballer of the Year in 2017 and 2018, BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2017 and 2018, and has been selected in various teams of the tournament for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Here are his honours listed:
- African Footballer of the Year: 2017, 2018
- PFA Player of the Year: 2018, 2022
- Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year: 2018, 2022
- Premier League Player of the Season: 2017/18
- Premier League Golden Boot: 2018, 2019, 2022
- Premier League Playmaker of the Season: 2022
- Champions League: 2019
- European Super Cup: 2019
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2019
- Premier League: 2019/20
- League Cup: 2022
- FA Cup: 2022
The Lone African Star: George Weah’s Ballon d’Or Triumph
George Weah is the only African player to have won the Ballon d’Or, which he achieved in 1995. Weah’s win was a significant milestone, showcasing the talent that the African continent has to offer to the world of football.
Ballon d’Or 2023: The Next Weah?
Regarding Mohamed Salah’s achievements in the last season, Liverpool only finished in 5th place in the Premier League.
Here are some compelling reasons why he should be crowned with the Ballon d’Or 2023:
- Consistency at the Highest Level: Salah has consistently delivered top-notch performances for Liverpool, ensuring they remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions.
- Goal Scoring Prowess: His goal tally for the year is a testament to his lethal finishing abilities. Whether it’s a crucial match-winner or a stunning solo effort, Salah has showcased his knack for finding the net.
- Playmaking Abilities: Beyond his goals, Salah’s assists and key passes have been instrumental in Liverpool’s attacking dynamism. His vision and ability to pick out teammates have led to numerous goals.
- Big Game Player: Salah has a penchant for turning up in the most crucial matches. His performances in high-stakes games, especially against top-tier teams, highlight his importance to Liverpool.
- Versatility: While primarily a winger, Salah’s adaptability allows him to play in various attacking roles, showcasing his versatility and importance to the team’s tactical flexibility.
- Influence in Crucial Moments: Football is not just about statistics, but also about influence. Salah’s impact in turning games around, inspiring comebacks, or sealing victories has been evident throughout the year.
- Contribution to Team Success: Individual accolades are great, but they’re even more meaningful when they contribute to team success. With Salah’s influence, Liverpool has achieved significant milestones in 2023.
- Global Ambassador: Off the pitch, Salah has been an exemplary figure, promoting the game globally and serving as an inspiration to millions of fans and aspiring footballers.
Experience all of Mo Salah’s goals for Liverpool and then decide if he isn’t a worthy contender for the Ballon d’Or 2023:
Records Salah has broken with Liverpool
Despite Salah not securing major titles last season, his consistent and exceptional performance throughout his career positions him as a deserving nominee for the Ballon d’Or 2023:
- Scored on his Premier League debut against Watford in a 3–3 draw on 12 August 2017.
- Played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s 2017–18 UEFA Champions League campaign, helping them reach the final.
- Became the Premier League’s all-time goalscorer for a 38-game season, registering his 32nd league goal in a 4–0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion and was awarded the Premier League Golden Boot. Last season, another Ballon d’Or 2023 contender, Haaland, surpassed this record by netting 36 goals in his initial 35 Premier League matches, clinching the top scorer title.
- Scored his 50th goal for Liverpool in a match against Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Champions League, becoming the fastest player in Liverpool history to reach the half-century mark.
- Played a significant role in Liverpool’s 2018–19 UEFA Champions League victory.
- Scored his 50th Premier League goal for Liverpool in a 3–1 win over Southampton, breaking Fernando Torres’ record to become the fastest player to reach the milestone for the club.
Mohamed Salah has played a total of 315 games for Liverpool, during which he has scored 192 goals and provided 78 assists. In the previous season, he netted a total of 30 goals.
In light of these achievements and his undeniable influence on and off the pitch, Mohamed Salah is not just a contender but a deserving candidate for the Ballon d’Or 2023.
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