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Bittersweet for Mohamed Salah as Alisson robbed of Yashin Trophy ranking

By: Author Sang Gangte

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Bittersweet for Mohamed Salah as Alisson robbed of Yashin Trophy ranking

Liverpool fans will have a lot to say, and not necessarily pleasant things, after Monday night’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.

While many considered the race for the coveted title to be mainly between Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi, some Liverpool fans had had their high hopes pinned on Mo Salah.

And at the very least, a podium spot finish for the Egyptian winger seemed like a reasonable forecast, considering his impressive goal-scoring exploits with Liverpool.

Unfortunately, somewhat to his fans’ dismay, Salah managed to finish only seventh in the final reckoning, one spot behind Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, not all was lost for Salah supporters and Liverpool fans in general.

The Egyptian star was conferred with the Golden Foot Award in another Monday night ceremony held elsewhere at the French emirate of Monaco.

Perhaps fans can take solace in the fact that Mo Salah grabbed the coveted award after outvoting his compatriots Leo Messi, Lewandowski and Sergio Aguero.

And with that, the Liverpool star became the first Arab and only the third African behind Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba to win the award.

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Mo Salah’s wife Magi Sadeq picks up the Golden Foot award on his behalf

In a related context, Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma won the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or, beating the likes of fan-favourite Edouard Mendy and Manchester City’s Ederson.

Liverpool’s Alisson Becker had won the trophy in its inaugural edition back in 2019. And with COVID ruling out the 2020 edition, Donnarumma’s victory is only the second as the game’s best shot-stopper.

However, even the Yashin Trophy wasn’t without cause for debate or controversy, especially after France Football revealed the ten shot-stoppers shortlisted for the prize.

Liverpool fans were quick to take note of Alisson’s omission from the list, which included the likes of Inter’s Sami Handanovic and PSG’s Keylor Navas.

Despite not being at his supreme best, it was still an incredible 2020-21 for the Brazillian with 15 clean sheets and an unforgettable last-minute goal against West Bromwich Albion.

Nobody expected him to win but to not be included in the 10-man shortlist is something that has not gone down with the Liverpool fans.