The top 2 contenders for the UEFA Champions League trophy were FC Barcelona and Liverpool. The top performers of the respective teams Salah and Raphinha were also named as the top 2 contenders for the 2024/25 Balon D’Or Race. Here is how the Balon D’Or race has taken a sweeping turn.
Liverpool’s Early UCL Elimination
Liverpool have been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 by French side Paris Saint-Germain F.C.. The Parisians won against Liverpool at Anfield in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Liverpool were the favourites to win this year’s Champions League after their impressive European start. They were on top of the League Phase table and were unstoppable in all competitions. They were seen as clear favourites especially because of Salah’s impressive individual performances.
As Liverpool are out, does this mean Salah’s Balon d’Or chances have been hindered? Why is that?
The UEFA Champions League Equals to Balon d’Or
UEFA Champions League success of a player directly affects the player’s chances of the Balon d’Or. Here is why the UEFA Champions League plays a major role:
šGlobal Prestige: The UCL is recognised as the pinnacle of club football, it features the best teams and the best players around Europe
šHigh-Stakes Performances: Most important games happen at this stage. Players who shine in these moments have a clear edge in the individual awards race.
šVoting Influence: Journalists and the players who vote judge mainly the UCL campaign of a particular team and player.
As Salah is out of the competition, his performances now depend on the Premier League and domestic cups which are yet to come. Raphinha on the other hand has been crucial for his team in UCL, La Liga, and domestic cups. Salah may have an edge in individual stats, but just to remind everyone Salah has 9 penalty goals this season. Now it’s clear the Balon d’Or depends on Raphinha’s UCL campaign, it’s now in his hands.