Mohamed Salah has revealed why he voted for Vinicius Junior to win the 2024 FIFA Player of the Year award.
The Brazilian striker, who won the La Liga and Champions League double with Real Madrid in what was a thrilling 12 months, it was known by his peers after controversially losing out on the Ballon d'Or to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
FIFA's top awards are voted for by captains of international teams around the world, allowing Salah to have his say on what has been an incredible year of football.
Speaking of TNT Sport MexicoSalah 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 I hope he can continue… I voted for him because he deserves it.”
Salah could 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 extremely good to him Liverpoolleading Arne Slott's side to the top of the Premier League table, while his goals in Europe have helped the club top the reformed Champions League standings – the Reds boast six wins from six European games and have conceded just once .
An inflated number of 17 goals in 18 Premier League The performances also have Salah comfortably top of the division's Golden Boot race, but he has his eyes on winning the title in what could turn out to be his final 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 that I really want to win the Premier League with Liverpool,” said Salah. Sky Sports.
“My motivation this year was to win a trophy and be a big part of winning that trophy, especially in the Premier League.
“I still believe the team needs a trophy. There's still half the team left like myself, Trent (Alexander-Arnold), Virgil (Van Dijk), Alisson, Robbo (Andy Robertson).
It is necessary that we win another trophy before we all go.”
Salah's form has inevitably led many to believe he is the favorite to win in 2025 Ballon d'Or – an award he has never come close to receiving during his glittering career. Indeed, fifth-place finishes in the 2019 and 2022 editions are the most recognition Salah has earned to date.