Mohamed Salah has long since carved his place among football’s all-time greats — not as a fleeting wonder for a season or two, but as a player who delivers at the highest level year after year.
The proof, once again, came yesterday when he finished fourth in France Football’s Ballon d’Or rankings, his best placement so far. So far, because Salah’s story with the award isn’t over. For nearly a decade, he has been part of the conversation, his journey marked by highs and lows but anchored by one constant: his standing among the very best.
He doesn’t need the trophy for validation — his legacy is already untouchable — but the rankings chart a history worth telling. In this piece, we trace that history, season by season.
2017–18: Breakthrough and First Recognition
After a record-breaking debut season with Liverpool, Salah earned his first Ballon d’Or nomination in 2018. He finished sixth overall, a remarkable achievement for a player in his first year at Anfield.
2018–19: Climbing Higher
The following year, Salah improved on his standing, finishing fifth in the 2019 Ballon d’Or. His Champions League triumph with Liverpool and his consistent scoring form kept him firmly in the spotlight.
2020–21: Slipping to Seventh
In 2021, Salah finished seventh in the Ballon d’Or, despite another outstanding individual season. While he remained one of Europe’s most prolific forwards, Liverpool’s inconsistent form held back his chances of climbing higher.
2021–22: Back in the Top Five
The 2022 edition saw Salah bounce back to fifth place. He was once again among the standout players in Europe, though still outside the striking distance of the podium.
2022–23: Outside the Top Ten, But Not Far
For the first time since 2018, Salah fell out of the Ballon d’Or top ten, finishing eleventh in 2023. The dip reflected both Liverpool’s struggles and fierce competition from emerging stars.
2024–25: A Career-Best Finish
This season, Salah returned with his strongest showing yet. With 34 goals and 23 assists across all competitions, he placed fourth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings — his highest finish to date. Despite the milestone, he did not attend the Paris ceremony, where PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé took the men’s award and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí claimed the women’s prize
Salah’s place in football history is already secure — a legend who has carried Liverpool, broken records, and inspired millions.
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