In a dazzling celebration of footballing excellence, Mohamed Salah and Alessia Russo emerged as the crowned champions at the prestigious annual Football Excellence Awards, held in London. The event honored the sport’s finest performers from the 2024/25 season, and both Salah and Russo stood out among a galaxy of stars, each making compelling cases for their triumphs with performances that blended consistency, flair, and decisive contributions for club and country.
A Season of Supremacy Mohamed Salah’s Reign Continues
For Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian king of Anfield, the accolade marked yet another milestone in a career that has transcended statistics and captivated audiences worldwide. Despite facing criticism and questions about his longevity earlier in the season, Mohamed Salah answered with performances that silenced doubters and reinvigorated Liverpool’s attacking machine.
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The Numbers Behind the Brilliance
Salah ended the domestic campaign with 24 Premier League goals and 11 assists, making him the joint top scorer and one of the league’s most creative forces. More than just numbers, Salah’s goals often arrived at pivotal moments: a stoppage-time equalizer against Arsenal, a hat-trick against Manchester United, and a stunning volley in the Merseyside derby that brought Liverpool back into title contention.
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Leadership in Transition
As Liverpool adjusted to life after Jurgen Klopp, Salah’s leadership became even more crucial. His experience, calmness under pressure, and ability to inspire teammates ensured that the team navigated turbulent waters with a steady hand. Under new manager Ruben Amorim, Salah flourished in a slightly redefined role—dropping deeper to create while still maintaining his predatory instincts inside the box.
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International Heroics
Salah also played a key role in guiding Egypt to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His brace against Nigeria in a must-win game demonstrated his clutch credentials, once again reinforcing his iconic status in Egyptian football.
Alessia Russo The Arsenal Spearhead
If Salah epitomized sustained brilliance, Alessia Russo represented the face of England’s footballing future. The Arsenal striker was a tour de force in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and a key component of the Lionesses’ successes on the international stage.
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Breakthrough Brilliance
Russo’s move from Manchester United to Arsenal was met with skepticism, but the striker needed little time to win over doubters. She scored 20 goals in the WSL and notched up 8 assists, often proving to be the difference-maker in tight contests. Her ability to operate as both a traditional No. 9 and a link-up forward gave Arsenal tactical flexibility.
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A Leader On and Off the Pitch
More than just a goalscorer, Russo matured into a leader for Arsenal. She captained the side in the absence of Leah Williamson and showed maturity beyond her years. Her vocal presence, tireless work ethic, and support for younger teammates earned her plaudits throughout the season.
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International Stardom
Russo’s performances for the Lionesses were equally impactful. She scored in every group game of the UEFA Women’s Nations League and led England to the semifinals. Her stunning overhead kick against Spain was voted Goal of the Year, and her post-match interviews displayed a mix of humility and charisma that endeared her to fans worldwide.
Reactions from the Football World
The announcement of Salah and Russo as top honorees drew widespread applause from fans, pundits, and fellow professionals.
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Jurgen Klopp (former Liverpool manager)
“Mo is more than just a player—he’s an institution. He deserves every accolade that comes his way. The consistency he’s shown, year after year, is unbelievable.”
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Leah Williamson (Arsenal and England captain)
“Alessia has grown into one of the most complete forwards in the game. She’s brave, smart, and always gives 100%. This is just the beginning for her.”
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Ian Wright (Arsenal legend)
“Watching Russo reminds me of the best strikers I’ve ever played with. She’s got that killer instinct, but also the heart of a leader. What a player.”
Behind the Glory The Selection Process
The Football Excellence Awards use a combination of fan voting (40%), expert panel evaluation (40%), and player peer reviews (20%) to determine winners. Salah and Russo topped all three categories, indicating a comprehensive endorsement of their contributions.
The expert panel praised Salah’s “intelligence in adapting to new tactical systems” and Russo’s “development into a multi-dimensional attacking force.” Fans were particularly vocal, with over 3 million votes cast globally.
The Awards Night Glamour and Gravitas
Held at the Royal Albert Hall, the ceremony was a blend of glamour and gravitas. The red carpet featured a parade of football royalty and cultural icons. Salah, dressed in a sleek black tuxedo, arrived with his family, while Russo wore a stunning emerald green gown by a young British designer, underscoring her support for emerging talent.
Musical performances by Dua Lipa and Stormzy added to the occasion, and the night featured emotional tributes to retiring legends including Luka Modric and Megan Rapinoe.
What Comes Next for the Champions
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Salah’s Legacy and Future
With his contract set to run until 2026, speculation swirls around Salah’s future. However, in his acceptance speech, he hinted at staying:
“Liverpool is home. There’s still more I want to achieve with this club—titles, records, and moments that fans will never forget.”
Salah’s next challenge includes captaining Egypt at the AFCON and helping Liverpool return to Champions League glory.
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Russo’s Ascent
Russo is only 26, and already among the elite. She spoke passionately about using her platform to inspire young girls:
“I grew up dreaming about nights like this. If I can help the next generation believe that anything’s possible, then I’m doing something right.”
With Arsenal building a team around her and England eyeing Euro 2025 success, Russo’s star is only rising.
Other Notable Winners
While Salah and Russo took center stage, other categories also celebrated excellence:
- Young Player of the Year (Men): Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid
- Young Player of the Year (Women): Linda Caicedo – Real Madrid Femenino
- Coach of the Year: Ruben Amorim (Liverpool)
- Goalkeeper of the Year: Mary Earps (Manchester United Women)
- Team of the Season (Men): Featured stars like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Virgil van Dijk
- Team of the Season (Women): Included Sam Kerr, Keira Walsh, and Lucy Bronze
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