While opinions for the 2025 Ballon d’Or are sharply divided, with one side in support of PSG star Ousmane Dembélé and the other Lamine Yamal of Barcelona, Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has a different view.
In an interview with GQ, the Brazil international claims Liverpool’s Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah is a top favourite for the upcoming football’s most prestigious individual award.
“For me, right now, it’s Salah. He’s the best player because of his impact on the game. He scores a lot and makes a lot of assists,” Casemiro, 33, said.
Liverpool were eliminated from the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League in the round of 16 against PSG, which technically reduces the chances of Salah.
However, Casemiro argues that Salah had a great campaign last season and thus deserves a recognition.
“I think Liverpool didn’t win a trophy like the Champions League, for example, because they struggled in the second half of the season, but for me, the most complete player throughout the season was Salah,” Casemiro said.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held in Paris on September 22.