Rafa Benitez names the footballer who deserves the 2025 Ballon d'Or

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez shared his opinion on who he believes should win the next Ballon d'Or and assessed the contender's performance.

Details: According to the Spaniard, the prestigious award in 2025 is deserved by Mohamed Salah. Benitez emphasized that the Egyptian winger determines the outcome of every match and consistently showcases the highest level. He also noted that extending Salah's contract is a very important and correct decision.

Quote: "Extending Salah's contract is 100% the right step because he is an outstanding figure in world football. In recent years, he has constantly demonstrated his qualities and maintained his level, which many cannot achieve. All of Liverpool is happy that he stays.

Salah has gotten older? But he continues to decide the outcome of matches. When a player takes care of himself and plays at such a level, age doesn't matter. Of course, Salah deserves the Ballon d'Or. Why not?" Benitez stated.

Reminder: In this season, Salah has 27 goals and 18 assists — a total of 45 goal contributions. This is one more than Thierry Henry in the 2002/2003 season and the same as Erling Haaland in the 2022/2023 season.