Former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel has sparked headlines with his bold claim that Mohamed Salah, despite an exceptional season, was unfairly overlooked for the 2025 Ballon d’Or due to “political reasons.” Babel, who played for the Reds between 2007 and 2011, also made waves by urging current Liverpool manager Arne Slot to pursue Barcelona’s midfield maestro Frenkie de Jong as a dream signing, even suggesting the Dutch star could outshine Liverpool’s £87m-rated superstar, Dominik Szoboszlai, in the heart of the Anfield midfield.
Salah’s Ballon d’Or Snub: A Political Conspiracy?
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s talismanic forward, delivered a remarkable 2024/25 campaign, scoring 34 goals across all competitions, including an astonishing 31 in the Premier League. His efforts helped Liverpool secure the Premier League title with a commanding 10-point margin. However, at the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, Salah finished fourth, behind Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele, who claimed the prestigious award, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, and PSG’s Vitinha.
Babel, speaking in an interview with 365scores, expressed disbelief at Salah’s snub. “I don’t understand why Mohamed Salah didn’t win the Ballon d’Or,” he said. “Maybe he missed out because of political reasons? But in my personal opinion, he truly deserved it based on what he’s done for the team over time.”
The former Dutch international suggested that Liverpool’s elimination by PSG in the Champions League round of 16, decided on penalties, might have swayed voters. Despite Salah’s individual brilliance, the lack of European success could have tipped the scales against him. Nevertheless, Babel remains adamant that Salah was the most deserving candidate for the 2025 crown.
Frenkie de Jong: The Dream Signing for Liverpool
In a surprising twist, Babel didn’t stop at defending Salah. He also called on Arne Slot to bolster Liverpool’s midfield by targeting Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, whom he described as a “world-class” talent capable of transforming the Reds’ engine room. “I think Frenkie de Jong, the Barcelona midfielder, could contribute so much to Liverpool,” Babel said. “He’s a top-class player, and any team would be lucky to have him. I hope one day we’ll see De Jong in a Liverpool shirt.”
De Jong, often praised for his composure, vision, and ability to dictate play, has been a standout performer for Barcelona, even amidst their inconsistent form. His versatility as a “sweeper” in midfield—breaking up opposition attacks while seamlessly transitioning to attack—makes him an ideal fit for Slot’s high-pressing, possession-based system.
Babel’s comments subtly imply that De Jong could be an upgrade over Liverpool’s current midfield options, including the £87m-rated Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian, signed for a hefty fee, has shown flashes of brilliance but has faced criticism for inconsistency. Babel’s endorsement of De Jong suggests he believes the Dutchman could bring a new level of control and dynamism to Liverpool’s midfield, potentially at the expense of Szoboszlai’s starting spot.
Arne Slot vs. Jurgen Klopp: A Fair Comparison?
Babel also weighed in on Arne Slot’s impact at Liverpool, praising the Dutch manager for leading the club to Premier League glory in his first season. “Arne Slot has proven he brings huge value with his unique playing style,” Babel said. “He won the Premier League last season, and now he must continue to build and develop. He has a great personality and a distinct style.”
However, Babel cautioned against comparing Slot to his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp, whose nine-year tenure at Anfield included a Premier League title, a Champions League trophy, and multiple other honors. “You can’t compare the two managers yet,” Babel noted. “Slot is only in his second season, while Klopp had many years. We need to wait a few more years to judge Slot fairly.”
Liverpool’s Recent Struggles and Future Prospects
Despite their domestic success, Liverpool have faced challenges in the 2025/26 season, with recent results reflecting a dip in form. Babel acknowledged this, stating, “No one knows exactly why Liverpool’s form and results have declined recently, but it’s normal for a team to face a tough season after such a successful one.”
He remains optimistic about the Reds’ future, adding, “We need to wait for a new phase to see if the team can overcome this challenge. I believe they can bounce back and improve their performances.”
Babel’s Anfield Legacy
Babel’s comments carry weight given his history with Liverpool, where he made 146 appearances and scored 22 goals during his four-year stint. The 38-year-old recently showcased his enduring quality by scoring the decisive goal for Liverpool Legends in a 1-0 victory over Chelsea Legends at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
As Liverpool navigate a transitional phase under Slot, Babel’s call for De Jong and his defense of Salah have ignited discussions among fans. Could the “Sweeper” from Barcelona be the key to unlocking Liverpool’s full potential, and was Salah’s Ballon d’Or snub truly a matter of politics? One thing is certain: Anfield remains a hotbed of blockbuster debates.