Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembélé has sent shockwaves through the football world with his surprising pick for this year's prestigious Ballon d'Or award. The French international, currently preparing for Euro 2024, has publicly backed Liverpool's Egyptian king, Mohamed Salah, to claim football's ultimate individual honour.
In a candid interview with RMC Sport, Dembélé didn't hesitate when asked for his prediction. "I would say Mohamed Salah," the 26-year-old declared, highlighting the Liverpool forward's consistent world-class performances. This endorsement comes as a significant statement from one of Europe's most talented attackers about his peer.
From Rivals to Recognition
The mutual respect between the two players is particularly noteworthy given their history. Dembélé and Salah faced each other in memorable encounters, including Liverpool's dramatic 4-0 Champions League victory over Barcelona in 2019, where Salah famously wore a t-shirt bearing the message "Never Give Up" after missing the match through injury.
Despite this competitive history, Dembélé's admiration for Salah's abilities appears genuine and unwavering. The Egyptian forward has maintained exceptional form, continuing to be Liverpool's primary attacking threat and breaking numerous scoring records along the way.
Ballon d'Or Race Heats Up
Dembélé's comments add an intriguing dimension to the ongoing Ballon d'Or discussion. While players like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé are frequently mentioned as frontrunners, Salah's consistent excellence keeps him firmly in the conversation year after year.
The Ballon d'Or ceremony, scheduled for October 2024, will ultimately reveal whether Dembélé's prediction proves accurate. Meanwhile, both players have crucial international commitments, with Salah leading Egypt's AFCON qualification campaign while Dembélé focuses on France's Euro 2024 preparations.
This public endorsement not only showcases the professional respect among elite footballers but also sets the stage for an exciting awards season. As the football world watches their performances in upcoming tournaments, Dembélé's bold prediction might just foreshadow a memorable night for Mohamed Salah in Paris.
