Former Juventus star Paolo Di Canio has backed Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or this season.
Di Canio believes the Egyptian international has been the best player this season.
However, he noted that the UEFA Champions League could play a crucial role in the final decision.
Speaking to FootItalia, Di Canio suggested that Salah should be the outright winner of the Ballon d'Or if the decision were based on performances so far this season.
“We know that you need to do something special in different competitions and not only in the Premier League,” Di Canio said.
“From my point of view, if we stop the season now, of course, there is no doubt for me—Salah would win the Ballon d’Or. Golden Ball, Salah easy.”
“But there are still two months left of the season. Champions League, the national team.”
“He also has the problem—well, I don’t want to say problem, because he’s proud to be an Egypt player. But it depends on what you do with the national team, right? Euros, World Cup, different competitions. But the Champions League makes a difference.”
Salah has been impressive for both club and country this season.
He is the current top scorer in the Premier League, but he could not help Liverpool as they were eliminated from the Champions League in the last-16 stage at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.
Salah is expected to battle the likes of Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé, Barcelona's Raphinha, and others for the Ballon d'Or this year.
