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Liverpool pair Hugo Ekitike and Ibrahima Konate extended their congratulations to Ousmane Dembele, despite the PSG player edging out their clubmate Mohamed Salah for the Ballon d'Or.
Last year saw a significant campaign among Reds fans for Salah to clinch the most coveted individual accolade in global football. Salah was truly outstanding amidst swirling rumors about his future for much of the season. In all competitions, he netted an impressive 34 goals and provided 23 assists, aiding Arne Slot to secure the Premier League title in his inaugural season at the helm.
However, beyond the Premier League, Liverpool faltered as it suffered defeat in the Carabao Cup final and was ousted from the Champions League by eventual champions PSG on penalties at Anfield.
The inability to add more trophies to their collection ultimately cost Salah in his quest to win the Ballon d'Or this year, with the winger finishing fourth behind PSG's Vitinha, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and, naturally, the ultimate winner Dembele.
Salah was absent from the event in Paris, but his team-mates Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk were present to witness the French winger claim his first Ballon d'Or.
While they might have sympathized with Salah, for Ekitike and Konate, they found themselves in a tricky situation.
Both lads are acquainted with Dembele through their international careers, while Ekitike has also briefly shared a dressing room with the new Ballon d'Or winner at PSG. After the award was announced, the Reds pair were quick to congratulate their mate on Instagram.
Ekitike posted: "On top of the world. Thank you Ousmane Dembele. Meanwhile, Konate chimed in with: "Congratulations, my brother."
It's safe to say that Salah won't bear any grudges against his two team-mates for congratulating his Ballon d'Or competitor. Missing out this time will undoubtedly only spur Salah on to try and win the award before he hangs up his boots.
Liverpool is back in action on Tuesday night when they welcome Southampton in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
After scooping the award, Dembele said: "What I have just experienced is exceptional, I have no words for it, what happened with PSG.
"I feel a bit of stress, it's not easy to win this trophy, and to have it presented to me by Ronaldinho, a legend of football, is exceptional.
"I want to thank PSG who came to get me in 2023. It's an incredible family. The president Nasser [Al-Khelaifi] is like a father to me. I also want to thank all the staff and the coach, who have been exceptional with me - he too is like a father - and all my team-mates.
"We have practically won everything together. You supported me in the good and the difficult times. This individual trophy is one the team has won collectively."
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