Mohamed Salah told Lionel Messi is 'only player on his level' as ex-Liverpool star claims Egyptian forward already 'deserves' 2025 Ballon d'Or

Salah has been hailed as an early favourite to win the Ballon d'Or amid his outstanding performances for the Premier League leaders, having scored 28 goals and made 19 assists in 36 games in all competitions this term.

Salah did not even make the top 30 in last year's Ballon d'Or rankings, with City star Rodri going on to beat Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior to the title of world player of the year. However, Babbel believes Salah is far ahead of all other contenders this year, saying Inter Miami and Argentina phenomenon Messi is the only one who can get close to his level.

"I’ve only seen one player on Mohamed Salah’s level with a similar record, it’s Lionel Messi. You look at his goal record and it’s like he’s a number 9; but he’s a winger! He’s not Ian Rush, he’s not Alan Shearer, he plays out wide. It’s unbelievable," Babbel told Wette.de.

"The goal record isn’t normal; I can only compare him to Messi with that goal scoring power. It’s not just the last season either, it’s the last ten years, his level is truly world class. I’m so surprised that he has never been in the running for the Ballon d’Or, I can’t believe he has never been in the top three – he’s the best player in the world in his position.

"Salah has a real chance to win the Ballon d’Or this year, but I think it will go to a Real Madrid player after they didn’t come to the ceremony this year – he deserves it though."

Liverpool are seven points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table and will aim extend that distance when they take on Aston Villa on Wednesday evening, with Salah likely to be handed a starring role by head coach Arne Slot once again.