Mohamed Salah Can’t Top Cristiano Ronaldo as Liverpool Star Misses Out on Premier League’s Greatest Ever Foreign Player Title
In a season where Mohamed Salah continues to smash records and cement his place in Premier League folklore, the Egyptian icon has still found himself coming up short — at least in the eyes of the fans — when it comes to being crowned the league’s greatest ever foreign import. Despite an impeccable campaign and yet another personal milestone, Salah settles for second place, alongside Arsenal’s legendary Thierry Henry, as Cristiano Ronaldo continues to reign supreme.
Mohamed Salah Can’t Top Cristiano Ronaldo Despite Stunning Season at Liverpool
Mohamed Salah’s brilliance has become almost a given in recent years, but even by his own lofty standards, this season has been special. When he struck against Tottenham in Liverpool’s title-clinching win last Sunday, Salah not only secured another Premier League medal but also climbed to fifth place in the league’s all-time top scorer list.
Perhaps even more impressively, he surpassed Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero to become the most prolific foreign player the English top-flight has ever seen. With 185 goals to his name — and counting — Salah’s achievements are nothing short of extraordinary.
Yet, when bookmaker Coral asked 1,000 fans who their favorite non-British Premier League player was, Salah was edged out once again by Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar, who dazzled during two spells at Manchester United, secured a commanding 30% of the vote. Salah, alongside Arsenal great Thierry Henry, earned 15%, tying for second place.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Legacy Still Outshines Mohamed Salah in the Eyes of Fans
It’s hard to argue with the numbers — or the nostalgia. Cristiano Ronaldo’s time in the Premier League, particularly his first spell between 2003 and 2009, saw him transform from a flashy teenager into a ruthless match-winner. Over seven years at Old Trafford, Ronaldo collected three Premier League titles, two League Cups, an FA Cup, and a Champions League crown.
In 236 appearances, he racked up 103 goals, many of them unforgettable. His flair, his hunger, and his jaw-dropping moments — from knuckleball free kicks to gravity-defying headers — have left a lasting imprint on Premier League history.
Salah’s case, however, is just as compelling. In pure numbers, he has comfortably outstripped Ronaldo’s goal tally, and he has also lifted a major European trophy with Liverpool, winning the Champions League in 2019. He has now secured his second Premier League title, added two Carabao Cups, and has reached two additional Champions League finals.
What’s perhaps even more impressive is the consistency Salah has maintained. Since his arrival at Anfield in 2017, he has been a relentless force, rarely dipping below world-class levels — a quality few in the Premier League era can match.
The Fans’ Favorites: Where Salah, Ronaldo, and Others Stand
Beyond Salah and Ronaldo, the survey results revealed some other fascinating insights. Thierry Henry, tied with Salah at 15%, remains an icon for Arsenal fans and neutrals alike, famed for his effortless style and devastating finishing.
Eric Cantona, the mercurial Frenchman who helped kickstart Manchester United’s dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson, placed fourth with 11% of the vote. Fellow Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp received 8%.
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne — still actively pulling the strings at the Etihad — was the only other current Premier League player to make the top ten, securing 6% of the votes. The list was rounded out by the likes of Peter Schmeichel, Gianfranco Zola, Patrick Vieira, and David Silva — all legends in their own right.
It’s a reminder that while Salah’s numbers are staggering, football’s magic often lies as much in memories as it does in statistics.
What Next for Mohamed Salah After Missing Out on Premier League’s Greatest Ever Foreign Player Title?
Salah might have finished second in the fans’ poll, but there is still plenty of time for him to reshape the conversation. The 31-year-old recently penned a contract extension at Liverpool, and if his current form is anything to go by, he’s not slowing down anytime soon.
With Liverpool entering a new era under incoming manager Arne Slot, Salah will remain the heartbeat of the team — a beacon of experience, excellence, and inspiration. Further silverware, more goals, and possibly another historic European night could still be on the cards.
And who’s to say that, with a few more jaw-dropping moments and another medal or two, Salah won’t eventually topple Ronaldo in the hearts of Premier League fans? After all, football’s love affair with greatness is never truly settled — it evolves with every game, every season, and every new unforgettable memory.
For now, though, the title of the Premier League’s greatest foreign player, at least in the eyes of the fans, still belongs to Cristiano Ronaldo. But if anyone can change that narrative, it’s Mohamed Salah.
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