Mohamed Salah has dropped to 50th in the latest Premier League player rankings as the 2025-26 season enters a crucial final month amid thrilling title and relegation battles.
With only weeks remaining, individual brilliance is expected to determine the outcome of a highly competitive campaign.
Arsenal currently lead the table, but Manchester City could close the gap to just three points if Pep Guardiola’s side win their pivotal head-to-head clash this weekend.
Champions League and relegation races
The battle for European qualification remains intensely tight, with only eight points separating third from eighth place.
At the other end of the division, a shocking relegation scrap is unfolding.
Tottenham Hotspur currently sit in the relegation zone in 18th place, trailing West Ham United by two points and Nottingham Forest by three.
Methodology and notable omissions
The newly released top 50 list balances raw individual talent with the actual value provided to teams throughout the current campaign.
Long-term injury absentees have been entirely excluded from the selection process.
This means Hugo Ekitike misses out after the forward suffered a brutal right Achilles rupture.
Before the devastating setback, the lightning-fast attacker was on course to break into the top 10.
Salah slides down the list
Liverpool’s veteran forward barely makes the cut at number 50 after experiencing a significant late-career drop-off.
However, the Egyptian remains a potent attacking threat when analysing underlying metrics.
Only Erling Haaland, Bruno Fernandes, Bukayo Saka and the injured Ekitike have generated more non-penalty expected goals and assists per 90 minutes this term.
Other notable inclusions in the bottom ten of the rankings include Arsenal duo Eberechi Eze and David Raya, alongside Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has developed a fiercely combative history against Arsenal, marked by crucial goals and high-profile clashes in recent Premier League title races.
The Norwegian international consistently finds himself at the centre of the action whenever Pep Guardiola’s side face the Gunners.
His formidable goalscoring record in this heavyweight fixture is often matched by intense physical battles with the opposition defence.
Title-defining impacts and crucial strikes
The 24-year-old proved instrumental during City’s treble-winning campaign, scoring pivotal goals that effectively dismantled Arsenal’s championship hopes in 2023.
However, Mikel Arteta’s subsequent tactical adjustments have made life significantly harder for the prolific forward in more recent meetings.
The formidable defensive partnership of Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba now frequently engages the former Borussia Dortmund star in bruising, unrelenting duels.
Escalating tensions and infamous incidents
Friction between the two modern rivals reached new heights during recent tempestuous encounters at the Etihad Stadium.
The Scandinavian talisman famously threw the match ball at Gabriel’s head following a late City equaliser, instantly sparking a mass confrontation.
Such aggressive flashpoints merely highlight the growing animosity between the division’s current dominant tactical forces.
As the ongoing race for domestic supremacy intensifies, the explosive dynamic between the reigning Golden Boot winner and the North London club remains a defining narrative.
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has completed a full takeover of Spanish fifth-tier side Cornella, potentially reigniting his historic rivalry with Almeria part-owner Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Inter Miami forward has purchased a 100% stake in the Catalan outfit located near his former home at Barcelona.
This acquisition provides the Argentine World Cup winner with a surprise avenue back into the Spanish football pyramid.
It also creates an intriguing dynamic with his long-time adversary, who purchased a 25% stake in second-tier Almeria earlier this year.
Boardroom rivalry beckons
The two clubs are currently separated by three divisions in the domestic league system.
That competitive gap could widen further if the Andalusian side secures promotion to La Liga this season.
However, these dual investments open the door for a compelling future ownership battle between the two modern-day icons.
A statement from the fifth-tier club confirmed the acquisition is designed to strengthen foundations and invest in emerging talent.
“Messi’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history, aimed at driving both sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its foundations, and continuing to invest in talent.”
“The project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and a strong connection to its local roots.”
Preparing for life after playing
The legendary forwards defined an entire era of European football during their respective trophy-laden spells at Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The 37-year-old South American remains contracted to his Major League Soccer franchise until the end of 2028.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese veteran has just over 12 months remaining on his current deal with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
Both superstars are clearly laying the groundwork for substantial boardroom careers once they finally decide to hang up their boots.
Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the upcoming Madrid Open, marking the third consecutive tournament the world number four has missed due to injury.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has not played a competitive match in over a month following a shock early exit at Indian Wells.
He recently bypassed both the Miami Open and the Monte Carlo Masters while struggling with a persistent right shoulder problem.
Continuing recovery
The veteran Serb confirmed his absence on social media less than 24 hours after expressing doubts about his fitness to the media.
“Madrid, unfortunately I won’t be able to compete this year. I’m continuing my recovery in order to be back soon.”
Tournament organisers released an official statement expressing their hope for a swift return for the three-time champion at the Caja Magica.
Speculation regarding his participation had already grown on Thursday evening when the tennis icon was interviewed while attending a basketball match in the Spanish capital.
“I’ve been struggling a little bit, physically, with an injury, so I am trying to address that and play as long as I can.”
French Open preparations in doubt
This latest setback leaves the former world number one with critically limited preparation time ahead of the French Open.
Despite being spotted training on clay courts in Marbella in recent days, his physical condition remains short of tournament readiness.
He remains registered to compete at the Italian Open in Rome, which commences on 6 May.
The defending Geneva Open champion has endured a frustrating season so far, competing in only two events and finishing as runner-up at the Australian Open.
Several other high-profile players are also facing fitness concerns ahead of the prominent clay-court event.
Spanish prodigy Carlos Alcaraz recently withdrew from the Barcelona Open with a wrist injury, while Jannik Sinner is evaluating his schedule after a demanding run of recent titles.
Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from the RBC Heritage to prioritise a mental reset following his 2025 Masters victory at Augusta National.
The Northern Irishman declined the chance to compete for a £2.6m top prize in South Carolina this weekend.
He collected £3.36m for his triumph last Sunday, successfully defending the Green Jacket to join Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods in an exclusive club of back-to-back winners.
Prioritising a mental reset
The 36-year-old has decided to take time away to recuperate and celebrate rather than making an immediate return to PGA Tour action.
This marks the third occasion in four years that the former world number one has bypassed the Harbour Town Golf Links event straight after playing the opening major of the year.
Competitors are no longer fined for missing multiple signature events during a season, following a recent rule change that abolished a previous £2.2m penalty.
Augusta earnings face heavy taxation
Despite his commanding victory, the European Ryder Cup star will reportedly lose more than a third of his Augusta prize money to United States taxation.
Jon Elphick, a managing tax partner at accounting firm Band, explained the financial complexities surrounding overseas earnings.
The tax position of an international sports person largely depends on where they are resident as well as where they perform the activities generating the earnings.
Typically, a level of local tax will be paid where the event takes place, but additional tax may then be due in the country the sports person lives.
In his absence, a strong field including Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood will remain in contention for the lucrative RBC Heritage purse.
LIV Golf broadcasters and chief executive Scott O’Neil have strongly dismissed rumours that the Saudi Public Investment Fund is preparing to end its financial backing of the breakaway circuit.
Speculation emerged earlier this week suggesting the sovereign wealth fund was ready to withdraw its estimated £3.7bn investment.
Such a move would severely jeopardise the future of the 54-hole competition, which launched in 2021 as a direct rival to the PGA Tour.
However, key figures within the organisation used the start of their Mexico City event broadcast to mount a staunch defence of their long-term viability.
‘Imminent demise greatly exaggerated’
Lead commentator Arlo White directly addressed the situation before play commenced at Club de Golf Chapultepec.
“We’re delighted to report that the reports of the imminent demise of the LIV Golf league were, in fact, greatly exaggerated.”
The English broadcaster added that he had spoken with the chief executive, describing the leadership as extremely confident about the future.
Co-commentator David Feherty also hit back at the media, criticising journalists who propagated the shutdown narrative.
“This generation has spawned fast typists that consider themselves to be experts, and evidently, they’re not.”
Internal reassurances to staff
Beyond the public broadcast, internal communications have also sought to steady the ship and reassure employees.
O’Neil reportedly sent an email to all staff confirming that the season would proceed uninterrupted and at full throttle.
The memo stressed that the organisation is heading into the heart of its schedule with more energy and influence than ever before.
Ironically, shortly after the defiant on-air exchange, the live stream suffered a temporary blackout on both YouTube and the Fox Sports app.
Players remain focused on the course
This controversy arrives against the backdrop of ongoing framework agreement negotiations between the Saudi backers and the traditional golfing establishment.
Despite the off-course noise, prominent players insist their focus remains entirely on the fairways.
Spanish former Masters champion Sergio Garcia stated that the roster has received no indication of any impending closure.
“Honestly, we haven’t heard anything other than what Yasir told us at the beginning of the year, that he’s behind us.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson will leave Anfield at the end of the season, outlining the club’s strategy to replace the departing duo.
The pair will bid farewell to supporters following the final Premier League match of the campaign against Brentford.
Robertson has been strongly linked with a free transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.
Defensive reshuffle awaits
The Scotland captain’s potential move reportedly depends on the north London club avoiding relegation to the Championship.
Focus on Merseyside has already shifted towards mitigating the loss of two foundational pieces of their recent success.
The Dutch coach hinted that an internal solution may already exist for the left-back position.
“We know Robbo and Mo are going to leave, so that means changing two players,” Slot explained on Friday.
Search for a new attacker
“We also know that Kostas Tsimikas comes back.”
Replacing the Egyptian forward presents a more complex challenge for the Anfield hierarchy.
Reports suggest RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has emerged as a top target for the recruitment team.
The Liverpool boss remains unsure whether the club will pursue a direct stylistic match or alter their attacking profile entirely.
Focus on existing stars
“I think the first aim is to see how we are acting in the position of Mo,” he added.
“Do we want to replace with a similar player or are we going to do that differently?”
The manager emphasised the club’s healthy financial position, noting a net spend of £150m across his four transfer windows.
He also moved to quash rumours of a wider squad exodus, insisting no further imminent departures are expected.
Securing the backline
Attention will now turn to securing the future of French centre-back Ibrahima Konate.
“Of course there’s the Ibou contract situation,” Slot stated.
“There might not be such a big need of trading a lot if you don’t need to bring new players in.”
Iranian footballers Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh have thanked the Australian government for granting them asylum and vow to rebuild their sporting careers down under.
The pair were among an initial group of six players and one support staff member from the national squad offered humanitarian visas during their recent Asian Cup campaign.
While five members of the group subsequently chose to return to their homeland, Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh decided to remain in Australia.
“We wish to express our deepest gratitude to the Australian government, and particularly Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, for granting us humanitarian protection and a safe haven in this beautiful country.”
Focus turns to A-League Women’s football
The athletes have already taken steps towards resuming their professional pathways by commencing training with A-League Women’s outfit Brisbane Roar last month.
“At this stage, our primary focus is on our safety, our health and beginning the process of rebuilding our lives.”
“We are elite athletes, and it remains our dream to continue our sporting careers here in Australia.”
Safety fears originally emerged for the touring squad after several individuals refused to sing the national anthem prior to an Asian Cup fixture.
Tensions follow anthem protest
Following the silent protest, Iranian state television heavily criticised the team, labelling the participants “wartime traitors”.
The international tournament coincided with escalating geopolitical tensions, beginning just as airstrikes were launched on Iran by the United States and Israel.
The remainder of the squad arrived back in Iran last month after completing a tense journey via the Turkish border.
Australia’s decision to offer sanctuary came after significant pressure from Iranian advocacy groups and international political figures.
Conflicting claims over asylum offers
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed he had paperwork ready to immediately execute humanitarian visas featuring a pathway to permanent residency.
However, Iranian officials have presented a drastically different account of the events that unfolded in Australia.
Mehdi Taj, the president of Iran’s football federation, alleged that Australian police intervened on prime ministerial orders to pressure the squad into seeking asylum.
Furthermore, Iran’s head coach Marziyeh Jafari previously maintained that the travelling party wanted to return to the Middle East as quickly as possible.