Mohamed Salah has opened up on why he voted for Vinicius Junior to win The Best FIFA Men’s Player award for 2024.
The Brazilian forward, who won a La Liga and Champions League double with Real Madrid in what was a scintillating 12 months, was recognised by his peers after controversially missing out on the Ballon d’Or to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
The FIFA Best awards are voted for by captains of international teams around the world, allowing Salah to have his say on what was a remarkable year of football.
Speaking to TNT Sports Mexico, Salah said of his decision to vote for the Real Madrid star: “Vinicius Junior is a very good player, that’s why! He’s improving every year and hopefully he can continue… I voted for him because he deserves it.”
Salah may well be in contention for the award himself next year if he maintains the form he has shown in the first half of the 2024/25 season. The Egyptian has been breathtakingly good for Liverpool, firing Arne Slot’s side to the top of the Premier League table, while his goals in Europe have helped the club top the reformatted Champions League standings – the Reds boast six wins from six European matches and have conceded just once.
A swollen tally of 17 goals in 18 Premier League appearances also has Salah comfortably top in the race for the division’s Golden Boot, but he has his eyes set on winning the title in what could turn out to be his last season at Anfield.
“In my interviews over the last seven or eight years, I always say [I want to win the] Champions League. But this is the first time I’m saying I really want to win the Premier League with Liverpool,” Salah told Sky Sports.
“My motivation this year was to win a trophy and be a big part of winning that trophy, especially the Premier League.
“I still believe the team needs a trophy. There is still half of the team left like me, Trent [Alexander-Arnold], Virgil [Van Dijk], Alisson, Robbo [Andy Robertson].
“It’s necessary for us to win another trophy before we all go.”
Salah’s form has inevitably led many to believe he is favourite to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or – an award that he has not come close to collecting during his glittering career. Indeed, fifth-place finishes in the 2019 and 2022 editions are the most recognition Salah has earned to date.