Mohamed Salah Loses Out as Ballon d'Or Takes Shocking Turn in Prestigious Award Race

Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah has unexpectedly lost out on the 2025 African Footballer of the Year accolade, despite ranking as Africa's top performer in the recent Ballon d'Or voting.

The prestigious CAF honor has instead been awarded to Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi.

Moroccan compatriot Ghizlane Chebbak claimed the women's award after leading the scoring charts at the postponed 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, guiding her nation to a second-place finish.

Salah delivered one of the most exceptional individual campaigns in English football history during 2024–25. The "Egyptian King" netted 29 Premier League goals while contributing 18 assists across 38 matches, driving Liverpool's pursuit of just their second championship in 35 years.

However, the Reds came up short in both domestic cup tournaments, while their Champions League journey ended prematurely in the round of 16 against Hakimi's PSG.

Nevertheless, Salah secured fourth position in the 2025 Ballon d'Or voting in September, trailing only Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal and Vitinha. Barcelona's Raphinha followed in fifth, with Hakimi claiming sixth spot.

The ex-Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund star enjoyed his finest campaign in 2024–25, featuring 55 times across all competitions as PSG achieved a historic Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Champions League treble, finally capturing the coveted European prize.

Hakimi's 11 goals represented his most productive season to date, complemented by 16 assists that saw him directly contribute to a goal in nearly every other match.

Evidently, CAF judges rated Hakimi's 2024–25 performance above Salah's, with European Cup success likely proving decisive.

Upon receiving his accolade, the Madrid-born player from a Moroccan family stated: "It's truly an honor for me to claim this prestigious award. This trophy isn't just mine—it belongs to all Africans who harbor dreams."

African Footballer of the Year Winners in the 20th Century

Salah Criticized for Florian Wirtz's Liverpool Adaptation Issues

Salah has endured a particularly challenging week, now facing criticism from German media for allegedly hindering £116 million ($151.8 million) summer acquisition Florian Wirtz's development.

Wirtz, who excelled away from Liverpool's spotlight during Germany's commanding 6–0 victory over Slovakia to secure direct World Cup qualification, has struggled since his Anfield arrival from Bayer Leverkusen. The 22-year-old has appeared a pale imitation of his Bundesliga form and was even labeled a "little boy" by Gary Neville after a recent loss to Manchester City.

Liverpool have attempted to incorporate eight new signings costing over £400 million combined into their championship-winning squad simultaneously. Wirtz isn't alone in struggling to adapt, and a scathing analysis from German outlet Sport Bild boldly suggests that Salah represents a "significant obstacle" by maintaining his leadership position within the squad, favoring established teammates, and refusing to share authority with Wirtz.

"It's evident that he's ignored Wirtz and failed to elevate any of the summer arrivals, who collectively cost approximately half a billion euros," Sport Bild reports regarding Salah.

"Salah has delivered three assists this campaign, all resulting in goals, all benefiting players with longer club tenure. Salah is progressively becoming a significant obstacle for Liverpool and Wirtz. He remains the champion's king, apparently preventing their successful transformation. And therefore, the future of his replacement as attacking focal point: Wirtz."

The fervent article continues by suggesting there's "no question" that Wirtz is "destined to become the future leader" at Liverpool, and also speculates that Salah might depart for Saudi Arabia next summer, despite being only halfway through his new two-year deal signed with the Reds recently.