Mohamed Salah is having a season for the history books. In the 2024-25 campaign, the Egyptian King is crafting his own legacy at Liverpool by shattering records and impressing fans with every match. With Liverpool currently 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League with only 10 games remaining, Salah’s contributions have become the driving force behind this dominant Reds side. Considered by some to be the best right-winger in Premier League history, his blend of skill, vision, and consistency is setting new standards on the pitch.

A Season of Unprecedented Excellence

This season, Salah’s statistics speak for themselves. In just 28 Premier League matches, he has amassed an impressive total of 42 goal involvements—25 goals and 17 assists. Following another superb assist against Newcastle, his assist tally has reached 17, and every time he touches the ball, it seems history is waiting to be rewritten. His dazzling display of speed, precision, and creativity has propelled Liverpool to the top of the table, leading by 13 points over second-placed Arsenal.

Salah’s remarkable run has already led him to achieve milestones only previously accomplished by legends. On Sunday against Manchester City, he scored and assisted for the 11th time this season, matching Lionel Messi’s 2014/15 record for the most such contributions in a single campaign across Europe’s top five leagues. This feat has not been duplicated in the decade since, and with 10 league matches left, Salah is well poised to break Messi’s record and several long-standing Premier League records.

Breaking Records and Setting New Standards

Historically, the benchmark for goal involvement in a single Premier League season has been a highly coveted record. In the modern 38-game era, Thierry Henry’s record of 44 involvements for Arsenal in 2002-03, which was later matched by Erling Haaland in his debut season at Manchester City, remains unbeaten. At his current rate, Salah needs just six more goal involvements to break the all-time record and only three more to surpass the modern-era benchmark.

This record-breaking spree highlights Salah’s evolution as a player. Unlike many forwards who rely solely on finishing, his game is centered around creating chances, connecting with teammates, and influencing the flow of the match in various ways. His relentless work rate and technical prowess have allowed him to set a new Liverpool club record for assists in a Premier League season, surpassing Steve McManaman’s long-standing mark from the 1995/96 season.

The Ballon d’Or: A Prize Long Overdue for an African Star

For African football, George Weah’s 1995 Ballon d’Or win remains a landmark moment—indicating the arrival of African talent on the global stage. Salah’s 2024-25 campaign is not just a personal renaissance; it boldly asserts that African players can shine at the highest level. His phenomenal performances have thrust him into the contention for the Ballon d’Or, a competition now fiercely contested by global superstars like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

Some critics argue that Salah’s lack of a major international trophy with Egypt might weigh against him. Remarks dismissing the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a minor tournament sparked widespread debate recently. These comments only emphasize the deep pride many Africans have for AFCON—a tournament that broke viewership and engagement records just a year ago. The passion, quality, and talent on display in AFCON prove that the competition, alongside its players, deserves respect from the entire football community. Salah’s campaign at Liverpool demonstrates that excellence is measured on the pitch, and his record-breaking feats challenge any notion that a lack of continental silverware diminishes his candidacy for the Ballon d’Or.

The Broader Impact on African Football

In conclusion, Mohamed Salah’s ascent from the streets of Nagrig to the heights of world football is not just a remarkable personal journey; it is a beacon of hope and inspiration for millions across Africa. As he continues to showcase his extraordinary talent and tenacity in the 2024-25 season, every goal and assist not only enhances his legacy but also serves as a reminder of the immense potential that African players bring to the global stage.

A potential Ballon d’Or victory for Salah would not only be a historic milestone in his career but a monumental moment for African football, shattering stereotypes and affirming that talent knows no borders. If he can sustain this phenomenal level of performance, he’s not just rewriting the record books; he’s paving the way for future generations of African footballers to shine and succeed on the world stage.