Mohamed Salah is in the running for BBC Sports Personality World Sport Star of the Year, but will he actually lift the trophy? That's far from certain. For fans following betting markets for top English football, his chances add another layer of intrigue to an already competitive field.
The award goes to the non-British sportsperson who's made the biggest impact across all sports in the past 12 months. Salah's up against some seriously talented athletes from different disciplines, each with their own remarkable achievements.
- Mariona Caldentey (football) has enjoyed a breakthrough year, starring for Arsenal as they lifted the UEFA Womenās Champions League and secured domestic honours while influencing Spainās run in major international tournaments
- Terence Crawford (boxing) achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first male three-weight undisputed champion in the four-belt era ā a feat that puts him in the same rarified air as legends like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.
- Armand Duplantis (pole vault) is the defending holder of this award, after an extraordinary season that saw him break his own world record and dominate his discipline.
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (track and field) has continued to push boundaries in the 400m hurdles and flat races, adding world titles to her growing collection.
- Shohei Ohtani (baseball) remains one of the most extraordinary dual-role players in sport, dazzling fans both as a pitcher and hitter with historic performances in Major League Baseball.
Why Salah stands out
The 33-year-old Liverpool forward has had a season to remember. Last year, he scored 29 Premier League goals and helped Liverpool secure a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title. But the goals alone don't tell the full story.
He became the first player in Premier League history to win the Golden Boot, the Playmaker Award (most assists), and Player of the Season all in one campaign. It's a triple crown that showcases his complete gameānot just as a goalscorer, but as a creator and all-round performer.
He was also named PFA Men's Player of the Year for a record third time and picked up another Football Writers' Footballer of the Year accolade. These achievements cement his place among the greats of English football and put him firmly in contention for global recognition.
Only a handful of footballers like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Erling Haaland have been nominated for or won this award. That shows how rare it's for top scorers to get recognised on the global stage alongside athletes from other sports.
The public vote advantage
Here's where things get interesting. Unlike many elite sporting awards, World Sport Star of the Year is decided entirely by public vote. That mattersāa lot.
Salah's the most recognisable name on the shortlist. His profile stretches far beyond UK football fans. He's a global icon with hundreds of millions of followers across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. That visibility gives him a real edge when voting opens.
Public votes are often influenced by familiarity as much as achievement. Even casual sports fans will recognise Salah instantly, whereas some of his rivals, despite dominating their fields, might not carry the same household-name status outside their sport.
The verdict
Mohamed Salah has a genuine chance of winning World Sport Star of the Year. His achievements justify the nomination, but it's the public vote and his unmatched global profile that could make the difference. In a field full of champions, being the most recognisable name might just be the advantage that matters most.
