Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has been nominated for the BBC Sports Personality World Sport Star of the Year award alongside Terence Crawford after his controversial benching comments
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has earned a nomination for the BBC Sports Personality World Sport Star of the Year.
The recognition arrives in the wake of a bombshell interview that has fuelled rumours about his Anfield future amid a crisis at the Premier League champions. The Egyptian, 33, is among distinguished company, with boxing champion Terence Crawford also securing a place on the shortlist.
The winger enjoyed an incredible season last year, scoring 34 goals in all competitions including 29 strikes in the league as the Reds romped to a record-equalling 20th top flight title. However, Salah’s nomination comes amid turmoil following his comments where he alleged he had been “thrown under the bus” by someone at Liverpool.
“I could not believe I was sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah said after Liverpool’s weekend draw at Leeds. “That’s the third time. It’s the first time in my career I think.
“I am very disappointed, I have done so much for this club over years, especially last season, it seems like the club has thrown me under the bus.”
Salah represents one of two footballers featured on the roster, alongside Spain women’s sensation Mariona Caldentey following her stellar performances during her nation’s journey to the Euro 2025 final.
Crawford stands as the sole boxer amongst the nominees, with remaining spots filled by pole vault star Mondo Duplantis, track and field phenomenon Sydney McLaughlin-Nevrone and baseball legend Shohei Ohtani, reports the Mirror.
Salah has been omitted from Liverpool’s squad for their midweek Champions League clash against Inter Milan. Questions remain over whether he has played his last match for the Reds, though manager Arne Slot faced questions during his pre-match press conference.
“We have let him know that he isn’t travelling with us,” Slot informed journalists. “That’s the only communication from us to him. Before Saturday the two of us have spoken a lot. Sometimes longer, sometimes shorter.”
He continued: “When I didn’t play him anymore, usually players don’t like the manager that much, but he was very respectful to the staff members and to his team-mates and he trained really hard so it was a bit of a surprise when I heard he made those comments.”
Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson also commented on Salah: “I didn’t speak to Mo about it. We spend so much time together, not so much away from the training ground, but there’s a bond. I will speak with him, but that will be private,” the Brazilian stated.
“I hope he plays for the club again, but that’s a situation between Mo and the club. I don’t think his goal was to disrespect anyone. He had the freedom to talk how he feels about his own situation. Now it’s important how we react.”