Egyptian star Mohamed Salah of Liverpool stated that the defeat against Real Madrid is a hurdle in his pursuit of the Ballon d'Or, emphasizing that if he does not win the 2022 edition, he will do everything possible to win it in 2023. Salah said in an interview with French magazine "France Football," published today, Saturday, "It is true that I was shocked by my ranking in 2021; this year, the defeat against Real Madrid in the Champions League final is certainly a hurdle for me."
He continued, "Even if I played well in the final, there is difficulty, but it does not negate everything I have achieved over the months. Let's wait for the voting results, and if I do not win that prize for 2022, I will do everything to be the winner in 2023."
Salah added, "I set a goal for myself and then another. First, my goal was to be a first-team player at Basel, to become the best Egyptian player, then the best African player of the year. Then I told myself that I could become the greatest African player in history. Now the Ballon d'Or is the target; I want to win it and join George Weah, the only African winner (in 1995). If I succeed, I will then aim to win a second one."
Salah concluded by saying, "For this year, the defeat against Madrid is definitely a hurdle, even if I played well in the final; I trust France Football, but it does not negate everything I have done over the months. Let's wait for the jury's vote, and if I am not the winner of the Ballon d'Or in 2022, I will do everything to be next." Mohamed Salah, at 29 years old, is among the candidates for the 2022 Ballon d'Or after having an exceptional season, winning several individual and team awards with Liverpool.
