Mohamed Salah has revealed the emotional motivation behind his desire to win the Ballon d’Or.
In a recent interview with Ballon d’Or media, the Liverpool forward reflected on how the award once felt out of reach during his childhood in Egypt.
“I think it wasn’t in my head when I was that young because when you play in Egypt in the street, you wouldn’t see yourself winning the Ballon d’Or (laughs),” he said.
The turning point came later in his career, after a key conversation with his agent:
“The first time it triggered something in me was when my agent told me I was able to make it. I started to really think about it in Liverpool, not in Rome.”
Mohamed Salah has every reason to believe now. In the 2024–25 season, he scored 34 goals and provided 23 assists in 52 appearances, guiding Liverpool to their 20th league title. He finished top of the Premier League in both goals and assists.
Mohamed Salah Premier League Player of the Season award
Stats in 37 Premier League match (2024/25)
Despite those numbers, Salah remained grounded about the outcome:
“If I win it, it will be great. I think my career will be also very good,” he said.
At last, he said:
“But I always have that image in my head: I just want to win it for my people. That thing is stuck in my head.”
It was a line that spoke volumes — not about personal legacy, but national pride. For Salah, winning the Ballon d’Or would be more than a career highlight; it would be a tribute to Egypt and the people who shaped his journey.
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