It’s that time of year again when the football world gets all dressed up in tuxedos and dreams of golden balls. The 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist is out, and Liverpool fans are strutting like they’ve just won the Premier League all over again—because, well, they did! The Reds are stealing the spotlight with four players—Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, and new kid on the block Florian Wirtz—making the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious award. Oh, and let’s not forget Alisson Becker, who’s throwing his gloves into the ring for the Lev Yashin Trophy, the prize for the world’s best goalkeeper. Buckle up, because Liverpool’s 2025 Ballon d’Or story is a tale of goals, grit, and a whole lot of glory.

Let’s start with Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian King who’s been rewriting record books faster than you can say “goal involvements.” Salah’s 2024/25 season was the stuff of legends: 29 goals and 18 assists in the Premier League alone, tying the all-time record for goal involvements in a single campaign alongside icons like Alan Shearer and Andy Cole. His rocket-fueled performances powered Liverpool to their 20th English top-flight title, matching Manchester United’s record. Whether he was outpacing defenders or curling shots into corners that shouldn’t exist, Salah’s case for the Ballon d’Or is as strong as his post-match protein shakes. At 33, he’s not just defying age; he’s giving it a wedgie and sending it home crying.

Then there’s Virgil van Dijk, the Dutch colossus who captains Liverpool with the calm authority of a man who could probably bench press a double-decker bus. Van Dijk played 49 matches last season, anchoring a defense that was tighter than a hipster’s jeans. His leadership was pivotal in Liverpool’s Premier League triumph, and he was the rock that kept the Reds steady even when Paris Saint-Germain knocked them out of the Champions League. Van Dijk’s nomination isn’t just about his defensive prowess; it’s about his aura. He’s the guy who makes strikers second-guess their life choices just by staring at them. If the Ballon d’Or had a category for “most intimidating presence,” Virgil would already be polishing the trophy.

Alexis Mac Allister, the Argentine maestro, is the midfield metronome who makes Liverpool’s engine purr. With 49 appearances, seven goals, and six assists, Mac Allister was the glue holding Liverpool’s title-winning campaign together. His silky passing and knack for popping up in the right place at the right time earned him a well-deserved spot on the shortlist. After shining for Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, Mac Allister’s transition to Liverpool’s high-octane style under Arne Slot was smoother than a jazz saxophone solo. He’s not just a player; he’s a vibe, and the Ballon d’Or voters clearly caught it.

Enter Florian Wirtz, the summer signing who cost Liverpool a British record £116 million from Bayer Leverkusen. The German wonderkid hit the ground running at Anfield, dazzling with his flair, vision, and a work rate that suggests he’s got an extra lung hidden somewhere. Wirtz’s inclusion on the shortlist is a nod to his immediate impact and sky-high potential. At just 22, he’s already drawing comparisons to some of Europe’s finest, and his nomination alongside Liverpool’s veterans shows he’s not just here to make up the numbers—he’s here to steal the show.

But wait, there’s more! In the Lev Yashin Trophy race for the best goalkeeper, Alisson Becker is once again flying the flag for Liverpool. The Brazilian, who won the award in 2019, is no stranger to the big stage. Facing off against heavyweights like Emiliano Martinez, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Thibaut Courtois, Alisson’s case is built on his consistency and clutch performances. Whether it’s pulling off a gravity-defying save or starting attacks with his pinpoint distribution, Alisson is the complete package. Liverpool’s Premier League title run owed much to his heroics between the sticks, and a second Yashin Trophy would be the cherry on top of his already glittering career.

The Ballon d’Or shortlist is decided by football journalists from FIFA’s top 100 nations, who rank their top 10 players, awarding points from 15 for first place down to one for 10th. Liverpool’s quartet faces stiff competition from the likes of PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé, who racked up 32 goals and 13 assists en route to a Champions League title, and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who’s got voters swooning over his teenage brilliance. But with Salah’s record-breaking season, Van Dijk’s defensive dominance, Mac Allister’s midfield magic, and Wirtz’s youthful exuberance, Liverpool’s fab four have a real shot at making waves when the winner is crowned on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

The Reds’ dominance doesn’t stop at individual awards. Liverpool are also in the running for Men’s Club of the Year, alongside PSG, Chelsea, Barcelona, and Botafogo, thanks to their Premier League triumph. And let’s not overlook Arne Slot, nominated for the Johan Cruyff Trophy for best men’s coach after steering Liverpool to glory in his debut season. It’s a red-hot showing for the Reds, who are proving they’re not just a team but a footballing phenomenon.

So, what’s the verdict? Liverpool’s 2025 Ballon d’Or contingent is a mix of seasoned superstars and rising talents, each bringing something unique to the table. Salah’s goal-scoring wizardry, Van Dijk’s defensive mastery, Mac Allister’s midfield artistry, Wirtz’s fearless flair, and Alisson’s goalkeeping brilliance make this a golden era for the Reds. Whether they bring home the hardware or not, one thing’s clear: Liverpool are the talk of the football world, and they’re loving every minute of it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to practice my Salah celebration in front of the mirror.