VIEWPOINT: Only Salah can break into the Top 3 alongside Messi and Ronaldo

If one must choose the most deserving person to break into the "top 3" of the Messi-Ronaldo era, the answer can almost only be Mohamed Salah.

Like Messi and Ronaldo, Salah is also asymbol of endurance and consistency

Unlike many stars who explode for a few seasons then fade, Salah has maintained peak-level excellence for nearly a decade in the Premier League – the most demanding environment in top-tier football.

In Liverpool colors, he is not only a top scorer, but also the soul during the golden era under Jurgen Klopp. From a team that lost its identity, Liverpool returned to the pinnacle of European and English football, with Salah as the irreplaceable core. What elevates Salah to the level of Messi and Ronaldo is not just talent, but also astonishing consistency – a factor only true legends can sustain over a long period.

Salah is not as dazzling as Messi, nor as physically complete as Ronaldo. But he possesses a defining weapon: dribbling runs from the right flank, cutting inside to the center, and finishing with cold precision. Everyone knows what he will do. Yet almost no one can stop him.

The repetition of a seemingly simple but maximally effective "formula" has made Salah one of the best wingers in history. That is the caliber of trendsetters – just as Messi and Ronaldo once did.

The numbers of a legend

Salah's greatness is not only perceived, but also proven by historic achievements. In Liverpool colors, he has won all major trophies, from the Premier League to the UEFA Champions League, along with numerous others like the FA Cup, League Cup, European Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.

On a personal level, Salah has won 4 Premier League Golden Boots – equaling the record of legend Thierry Henry – along with 3 PFA Player of the Year awards. More importantly, he has maintained near-total dominance in attacking output in England for many years. Since joining Liverpool, Salah has far surpassed the rest in goal contributions, outshining stars like Son Heung-min, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bruno Fernandes. He is also one of the rare players averaging over 20 goals per season for many consecutive years – a standard almost only Messi and Ronaldo have turned into a "habit".

Not only shining at club level, Salah is also the absolute icon of Egyptian football. He reached 100 goal contributions for the national team in just over 100 matches – faster than both Messi and Ronaldo. That achievement speaks not only of efficiency, but also reflects Salah's influence in the national team jersey. He is the captain, the spiritual leader, the greatest hope of an entire nation.

However, unlike his brilliant club career, Salah still has one unfinished "piece": an African championship. Two finals appearances but defeats have made the African dream an obsession. This further highlights Salah's dedication – he continues fighting tirelessly to complete his legacy.

A deserved position in the Messi-Ronaldo era

The biggest difference between Salah and the rest of the football world lies in his evolution. From a pure winger, Salah has become a leader, guiding Liverpool's new generation after a transitional phase. He not only scores, but also assists, connects play, and inspires. That is precisely the path Messi and Ronaldo took – from young stars to comprehensive icons.

Messi and Ronaldo are two undeniable peaks. But behind them, world football always needs a name of sufficient stature to complete the picture of the era. Salah may not possess many Ballon d'Or awards, but he embodies all the most crucial elements: talent, endurance, influence, and relentless dedication. In an era where many stars flash brightly then fade, Mohamed Salah is the only one who has maintained a top-tier status long enough, consistently enough, and excellently enough to stand alongside Messi and Ronaldo.

And therefore, if modern football has a true "top 3", the third name – without any doubt – must be Mohamed Salah.

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