<p><strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/senegal-awards-2021-afcon-winning-squad-with-cash-prizes-and-plots-of-land-20220209-0024.html" target="_blank">Senegal</a> won the battle and eventually won the war as they defeated <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/salahs-talks-over-new-contract-with-liverpool-break-down-20220311-0035.html" target="_blank">Mohamed Salah</a> and Egypt 3-1 on penalties after winning the match at home 1-0.</strong> Tied on total goals (1-1) from the two-leg series, during the shootout Mohamed Salah missed the opening shot while his Liverpool teammate <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/sadio-mane-would-be-willing-to-leave-liverpool-for-any-of-these-2-giants-20220209-0021.html" target="_blank">Sadio Mané</a> scored Senegal&rsquo;s game winning penalty.</p> 
<p>For Egypt it is a brutal defeat after losing the African Cup of Nations to Senegal a year earlier in penalties as well. For Senegal a clear sign that their continental glory was no fluke and are a team to consider at the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/qatar-2022-teams-that-have-qualified-for-the-2022-fifa-world-cup-20211013-0023.html" target="_blank">World Cup</a> in Qatar.</p> 
<p>For Liverpool fans it will be bittersweet as arguably one of the best players in the world at the moment Mohamed Salah will miss out on soccer&rsquo;s biggest event but crafty winger <strong>Sadio Mané is heading to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/qatar-2022-which-stars-are-going-to-the-world-cup-which-are-not-and-which-are-almost-there-20211119-0002.html" target="_blank">Qatar</a>.</strong></p> 
<h2>Other top soccer stars that will miss out on the 2022 World Cup</h2> 
<div style="text-align:center"> 
 <figure class="image" style="display:inline-block"> 
  <img data-height="412" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:412" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="/__export/1648584410232/sites/bolavip/img/2022/03/29/lorenzo_insigne_crop1648584409643.jpg_22069893.jpg" width="740" height="412"> 
  <figcaption>
    Lorenzo Insigne (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images) 
  </figcaption> 
 </figure> 
</div> 
<p>Italy&rsquo;s <strong>Lorenzo Insigne, Jorginho, and Marco Verratti</strong> are set to miss out on the competition after Italy&rsquo;s shock 1-0 elimination at the hands of North Macedonia. The biggest name could be <strong>Erling Haaland</strong>, who did not qualify for Qatar 2022 with Norway.</p> 
<p><strong>Victor Osimhen, Ahmed Musa, and William Troost-Ekong</strong> are set to miss the tournament since Nigeria were bounced on away goals against Ghana. Russia&rsquo;s <strong>Aleksandr Golovin</strong> is another star that is out of the tournament but due to political reasons.</p> 
<p><span></span></p> 
<div class="ck-related-news"> 
 <span data-src="/usa/contenidos/2021/10/13/noticia_0023.html" data-type="news"></span> 
 <div id="relatedNews-95">
   &nbsp; 
 </div> 
</div> 
<p>&nbsp;</p>

World Cup fever for Liverpool teammates as Sadio Mané is in and Mohamed Salah is out of Qatar 2022

<p>In the wake of all the controversy that followed the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/lionel-messi-wins-2021-ballon-dor-over-lewandowski-funniest-memes-and-reactions-20211129-0020.html" target="_blank"><strong>2021 Ballon d'Or</strong> results</a>, <strong>France Football decided to make significant changes</strong> to the decision-making process for the&nbsp;selection of the winner. Last year, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/lionel-messi-wins-record-seventh-ballon-dor-award-20211129-0014.html" target="_blank"><strong>Lionel Messi</strong></a> won his seventh Golden Ball in a decision that has been <strong>seriously questioned</strong> in world soccer. Many people believed that the Argentine star didn't have such a great year to deserve the award and felt they were unfair with <strong>Bayern</strong> striker <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/2021-ballon-dor-robert-lewandowski-breaks-silence-takes-shot-at-lionel-messi-20211206-0021.html" target="_blank"><strong>Robert Lewandowski</strong></a>, who has also shown <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/2021-ballon-dor-robert-lewandowski-clarifies-his-comments-on-lionel-messi-20211207-0012.html" target="_blank">his frustration</a> with the results.</p> 
<p>That's why the French magazine has announced a number of changes for the Ballon d'Or. <strong>First, it will consider the European season instead of the calendar year</strong>. Therefore, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/qatar-2022-teams-that-have-qualified-for-the-2022-fifa-world-cup-20211013-0023.html" target="_blank"><strong>2022 Qatar World Cup</strong></a> won't be considered for this year's ceremony and will count for the 2023 prize instead. <strong>Second, only representatives of the top-100 nations of the FIFA ranking will vote</strong> for the men's award. <strong>Third, there will be a change in the jury</strong> headlined by Didier Drogba. And <strong>last but not least, the criteria will change: the individual performance will matter more than the team's, and the player's career will not be considered.</strong></p> 
<p>With all those modifications in mind, and considering that the next winner will be decided based on his performance throughout the current season, let's take a look at <strong>the possible candidates.</strong></p> 
<h2>Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)</h2> 
<div style="text-align:center"> 
 <figure class="image" style="display:inline-block"> 
  <img data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="/__export/1647392475811/sites/bolavip/img/2022/03/15/mbappe_vs_bordeaux.jpg_22993414.jpg" width="740" height="413"> 
  <figcaption>
    Kylian Mbappe had a great season despite PSG's European failure. (Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) 
  </figcaption> 
 </figure> 
</div> 
<p><strong>PSG</strong> may have fallen terribly short of expectations this season but <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/kylian-mbappe-shines-in-psg-champions-league-exit-is-real-madrid-next-for-him-20220309-0035.html" target="_blank">Kylian Mbappe</a> should be the exception to the critics</strong>. The Frenchman has come to the rescue more than once this term and <strong>Paris Saint-Germain</strong> couldn't have asked more from him in their <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/teams-who-have-never-won-champions-league-20201203-0001.html" target="_blank"><strong>Champions League</strong></a> series against <strong>Real Madrid</strong>. Mbappe, who <strong>leads the team in goals (25) and&nbsp;assists (17) this season</strong>, had a fantastic season individually. And if that's the new criteria, then he should be a heavy candidate for the Ballon d'Or.</p> 
<h2>Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)</h2> 
<div style="text-align:center"> 
 <figure class="image" style="display:inline-block"> 
  <img data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="/__export/1647392559080/sites/bolavip/img/2022/03/15/benzema_vs_mallorca.jpg_22993414.jpg" width="740" height="413"> 
  <figcaption>
    Benzema has been a goalscoring machine this season. (David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) 
  </figcaption> 
 </figure> 
</div> 
<p>Even at 34, <strong>Karim Benzema</strong> might prove that age is just a number. His impressive contribution to <strong>Real </strong><strong>Madrid</strong>'s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/real-madrid-vs-psg-tv-channel-how-and-where-to-watch-or-live-stream-free-second-leg-of-2021-2022-uefa-champions-league-round-of-16-today-20220309-0005.html" target="_blank">comeback win over PSG</a> has once again shown that Benzema is often underrated. With <strong>30 goals and 12 assists</strong> so far, he is living one of the best moments in his career regardless of his age. Besides, he also <strong>carried his great club level to the international stage with France</strong>, helping them to win the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/france-beat-spain-to-be-crowned-nations-league-champions-highlights-and-goals-20211010-0017.html" target="_blank"><strong>UEFA Nations League</strong></a>.</p> 
<h2>Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)</h2> 
<div style="text-align:center"> 
 <figure class="image" style="display:inline-block"> 
  <img data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="/__export/1647392667810/sites/bolavip/img/2022/03/15/salah_vs_brighton.jpg_22993414.jpg" width="740" height="413"> 
  <figcaption>
    Mohamed Salah continues to impress at Liverpool. (Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images) 
  </figcaption> 
 </figure> 
</div> 
<p>A man who got into these conversations since he joined <strong>Liverpool</strong>, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/jurgen-klopp-speaks-out-on-liverpool-striker-mohamed-salahs-contract-issues-20220311-0008.html" target="_blank"><strong>Mohamed Salah</strong></a> continues to make a splash whenever he steps into the pitch for&nbsp;the Reds. The Egyptian winger has <strong>28 goals and 10 assists</strong> this season and is on pace to win the <strong>Premier League</strong> golden boot again. Salah has given reasons to deserve the award, only time will tell if he gets it.</p> 
<h2>Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)</h2> 
<div style="text-align:center"> 
 <figure class="image" style="display:inline-block"> 
  <img data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="/__export/1647392777006/sites/bolavip/img/2022/03/15/lewandowski_vs_hoffenheim.jpg_22993414.jpg" width="740" height="413"> 
  <figcaption>
    Robert Lewandowski is having another great season. (Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) 
  </figcaption> 
 </figure> 
</div> 
<p>Robert Lewandowski has already received two <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/robert-lewandowski-claims-that-the-best-is-more-important-than-the-ballon-dor-20220203-0016.html" target="_blank"><strong>The Best</strong></a> awards but the Ballon d'Or <strong>is still elusive</strong> for him. His lack of Golden Balls has been subject of controversy, especially after a commanding level in 2020. With <strong>43 goals in 36 appearances</strong> across all competitions this term, maybe it's time for the game to be fair with Lewandowski and recognize another fantastic season by giving him the prestigious accolade.</p> 
<h2>Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)</h2> 
<div style="text-align:center"> 
 <figure class="image" style="display:inline-block"> 
  <img data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="/__export/1647392866368/sites/bolavip/img/2022/03/15/de_bruyne_vs_crystal_palace.jpg_22993414.jpg" width="740" height="413"> 
  <figcaption>
    Kevin De Bruyne could also be in consideration. (Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) 
  </figcaption> 
 </figure> 
</div> 
<p>The Belgian playmaker usually doesn't get the credit he deserves but has constantly been in the Ballon d'Or conversations over the last few years. <strong>Kevin De Bruyne</strong> is the one who pulls the strings at <strong>Manchester City</strong> and, even though the stats may not always reflect that, <strong>he always plays a pivotal role</strong> in their successes. So, depending on how he finishes the season, De Bruyne could be a legit contender.</p> 
<h2>Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)</h2> 
<div style="text-align:center"> 
 <figure class="image" style="display:inline-block"> 
  <img data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="/__export/1647392942092/sites/bolavip/img/2022/03/15/ronaldo_vs_atletico.jpg_22993414.jpg" width="740" height="413"> 
  <figcaption>
    Cristiano Ronaldo could be on the mix despite he runs from behind. (Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images) 
  </figcaption> 
 </figure> 
</div> 
<p>Even though he may run from behind in this race, you&nbsp;can't just leave <strong>Cristiano Ronaldo</strong> out of the conversation. The Portuguese megastar may have had his ups and downs in his second stint at <strong>Manchester United</strong> but he <strong>found the way to make an impact anyway</strong>, especially in some Champions League nights <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/manchester-united-club-legends-react-to-champions-league-exit-call-out-ralf-rangnick-20220315-0033.html" target="_blank">before the elimination.</a>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)</h2> 
<div style="text-align:center"> 
 <figure class="image" style="display:inline-block"> 
  <img data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="/__export/1647393041653/sites/bolavip/img/2022/03/15/messi_vs_bordeaux.jpg_22993414.jpg" width="740" height="413"> 
  <figcaption>
    Messi may not have many chances this time but his name always comes up in the Ballon d'Or discussion. (Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) 
  </figcaption> 
 </figure> 
</div> 
<p>Similar to what happens&nbsp;with Ronaldo, Lionel Messi<strong> may not have many chances</strong> to win the prize after a rather disappointing campaign. His switch to PSG <strong>hasn't worked out as expected</strong> and he has&nbsp;constantly been <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/lionel-messi-slammed-by-french-media-again-over-psg-ucl-loss-to-real-madrid-20220309-0037.html" target="_blank">in the eye of the storm</a> because of it. However, <strong>it looks like his name <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/lionel-messi-ballon-dor-list-by-years-and-age-20211128-0011.html" target="_blank">will always be part</a> of this debate</strong>, so we may have to keep an eye on him as <strong>he also is the last winner.</strong><span></span></p> 
<div class="ck-related-news"> 
 <span data-src="/usa/contenidos/2022/02/03/noticia_0016.html" data-type="news"></span> 
 <div id="relatedNews-35">
   &nbsp; 
 </div> 
</div>

mohamed salah

World Cup fever for Liverpool teammates as Sadio Mané is in and Mohamed Salah is out of Qatar 2022

Ballon d'Or changes: Who are favorites to win the award in the 2021-22 season?

UEFA Champions League: Who are the all-time top goalscorers?

Top 30 best African soccer players of the century

Receive the latest news in your E-mail box