CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe has revealed who he is backing to win the next Ballon d'Or.
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Last week, the South African philanthropist was elected for a second successive term to head African football's governing body, and during his time in Cairo, the 63-year-old was asked who he thinks should be the next Golden Ball winner.
Many African superstars have come close to laying claim to the prestigious award, with Sadio Mane coming closest in recent years as he came second in 2022, but the former Mamelodi Sundowns chairman has stated that it is time a player from the continent held the illustrious gong aloft as he has thrown his weight behind Mohamed Salah to win it later this year.
The Egyptian talisman has been in prolific form during the 2024/25 campaign, scoring 32 goals and providing 22 assists in the 43 matches that he has played for the Reds in all competitions, and the Tshwane native believes that it should be the two-time CAF Men's Player of the Year who is crowned the world's best player.
"Salah 100% deserves the Ballon d'Or. He makes us proud and is an exceptional player," Motsepe told On Time Sports.
"Nothing would make us happier than seeing one of our own, Mohamed Salah, win the Ballon d'Or."
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Liverpool recently crashed out of the UEFA Champions League to Paris Saint-Germain and were beaten in the final of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle United, so the 32-year-old's chances of claiming the award may be slightly dented, but should he continue his fine form in front of goal in the Premier League, he will likely still be a frontrunner when the award ceremony comes around.
