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Former Egypt international Mido has joined the chorus of voices backing Liverpool's Mohamed Salah for the Ballon d'Or. The Reds' sensation is one of four Liverpool players who have made it onto the 30-man shortlist for football's most coveted individual accolade in 2025, but missed out on the award.
Salah was instrumental in Liverpool's Premier League triumph in Arne Slot's debut season as manager, contributing a lion's share of goals and assists. The 33 year old equalled the top-flight's goal contribution record with 47, amassing a total of 57 across all competitions. However, he finished in fourth place on Monday night, behind Vitinha, Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele.
In addition to his club exploits, Salah also represented Egypt six times during the same period, scoring four goals and providing one assist, helping his nation secure their spot in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament. As a result, the forward received significant backing for the Ballon d'Or from Egyptian football greats.
The latest endorsement comes from Mido, who had stints with several English clubs including Tottenham Hotspur and Middlesbrough.
In a post on X, the 42 year old stated: "I honestly believe that Salah should be the winner by the end of the night. He deserves to be crowned after all what he has done to the football world.
"He's been a great example to all youngsters all over the world he gave them hope and he's been the pride of his country Egypt. Be fair to him just for one time and make it happen this year! ! Give him what he deserves the Ballon d'Or."
Salah previously garnered comparable support from Egypt national team boss Hossam Hassan, who stated: "Considering the hardships he encountered along his journey, he deserves it.. Based on the size of the challenges you overcome, he deserves it.
"Measuring years of brilliance, excellence and creativity in the strongest league in the world, he deserves it.
"It is difficult to get to the top, but all the difficulty lies in continuing on the top, and he has reached the top and continued on it for many years thanks to God first, then his talent, hard work and determination until he became a role model for all success seekers.
"Is it time for football to be fair and fair with them to choose the winner? Our prayers and the prayers of all Egyptians and all Salah's fans around the world, that Salah should be the winner of the Ballon d'Or to be the best crowning of the career of a great player that may not be repeated again in our history of Egyptian, Arab and African football, but also international."
Liverpool's summer recruit, Florian Wirtz, has officially clinched the 29th spot, with captain Virgil van Dijk just ahead at 28th and Alexis Mac Allister securing the 22nd position.
Liverpool's shot-stopper Alisson Becker is vying for the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper of 2025, while Slot is in contention for the Johan Cruyff Trophy for the year's top coach.
Liverpool.com says: Few could argue Salah didn't deserve the Ballon d'Or. He dominated the best league in the world, scored bags of goals and was legitimately unstoppable.
Ultimately, Liverpool not winning the Champions League has done it for him. Had Liverpool secured No.7, there wouldn't even have been a debate.
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