Mohamed Salah Keeps It Real With Honest Assessment Of His Ballon d'Or Ranking In 2021

​Mohamed Salah has admitted he was 'shocked' at his Ballon d'Or ranking last year, claiming he's at a disadvantage this year for the prize following Liverpool's defeat in the Champions League final. 

Lionel Messi pipped Salah to the 2021 Ballon d'Or, with the Egyptian superstar finishing in seventh spot.

Image: Alamy

He's revealed his surprise of his Ballon d'Or ranking last year and has set his sights on becoming the first African player since George Weah to win the prestigious individual award. 

​Speaking to L'Equipe, the 29-year-old said: "I want to win it to join George Weah, the only African [in 1995].

"It's true that I was shocked by my ranking in 2021 (seventh). For this year, the defeat against Real Madrid is a disadvantage, even if I played a good game in the final.

"But it doesn't cancel out everything I've achieved for months. Let's wait for the vote. And if I'm not Ballon d'Or in 2022, I'll do everything I can to be the next one."

Image: Alamy

Salah is once again in the running to win the 2022 Ballon d'Or, but Karim Benzema remains the front-runner following his remarkable goal-scoring exploits for Real Madrid this season.

The Liverpool forward spoke highly of the Frenchman and wants to be seen as the best player in the world. 

"I understand what Benzema says, he doesn't just see himself as a goalscorer, he knows he influences every aspect of Real Madrid's game," he added. 

"Like others, I want to be seen as the best player in the world.

"At Liverpool, everyone runs for everyone else. If I don't fight for the defence, they won't fight for me.

"I have to be an example, to be the first to press, to sacrifice myself for the team."

Salah enjoyed another prolific campaign this season, scoring 31 goals in all competitions. 

He was recently named the PFA Men's Player of the Year, winning the award for the second time in his storied career.