Salah and Dembele Face Off in Champions League Showdown

PARIS, France — Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Paris Saint-Germain attacker Ousmane Dembele are set to meet in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, with the first leg scheduled for Wednesday at the Parc des Princes. Both players are enjoying exceptional seasons, which could significantly impact their chances of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Salah, at 32, has been a standout performer in the Premier League, currently leading Liverpool’s campaign as they aim for another league title. This season, he has notched 30 goals and 22 assists in all competitions, evidencing his crucial role in the team. According to manager Arne Slot, Salah’s contributions account for nearly half of Liverpool’s points this season, highlighting his importance on the pitch.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Dembele is experiencing a career renaissance at PSG, matching Lionel Messi‘s record by scoring 17 goals in the first two months of 2025, while setting a new record for most goals in January and February. Dembele has scored 18 goals in 22 Ligue 1 appearances and has added six goals in the Champions League this season as well, bringing his total to 26 across all competitions.

“Dembele is in a huge moment of confidence and is performing like a top player,” said a PSG staff member. “If he can lead PSG past Liverpool in the Champions League, it will elevate his chances for the Ballon d’Or significantly.”

Dembele’s resurgence follows a period of struggle during his time at Barcelona, and former France midfielder Rio Mavuba believes his current form exceeds Salah’s in terms of potential impact. “Today, I’m picking Ousmane Dembele,” Mavuba said in an interview. “He’s stepping up a level and is delivering in crucial moments, which is exactly what you need as a forward.”

In the context of international play, Dembele has also made significant contributions to the French national team, scoring during their UEFA Nations League campaign. He could further bolster his case for the Ballon d’Or if he performs well in upcoming matches, including a quarter-final against Croatia.

Conversely, Salah’s fine form puts him firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation once again. Despite facing persistent contract uncertainties, he continues to deliver stellar performances. His manager has emphasized that winning trophies significantly sways the Ballon d’Or voting, a plausible scenario as both Liverpool and PSG compete for their respective league titles.

“To win the Ballon d’Or, you have to win something,” Slot said. “It’s not just about individual stats. Team success matters in the end, and it’s usually attackers that get the most recognition.”

Statistics indicate that Salah’s assists and goals have been vital for Liverpool this season, accounting for 33 of the 67 points that the team has earned in total. He has a remarkable scoring rate and aims to help lift Liverpool to success in both domestic and European competitions.

As both teams head into this high-stakes match, the outcome could very well shape the trajectory of the Ballon d’Or race. Salah and Dembele not only represent their clubs but also embody the fierce competition for one of football’s most prestigious awards among today’s elite players. The clash on Wednesday promises to impact both players’ legacies as they battle for personal and collective triumphs on the field.