Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted Sadio Mane must win a significant team trophy to be considered for the Ballon d'Or award.
The Senegalese forward has hit a purple patch over the past eight weeks, racking up 10 goals across all competitions since the end of February, including in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Villarreal in the Champions League semi-final.
Asked if Mane was Ballon d'Or contention, Klopp replied: "Wow! He plays an outstanding season, Sadio is an outstanding player, I have nothing to do with the Ballon d'Or nomination and all these kind of things, I don't understand it really 100 per cent.
"He is world-class and played again a really good game for us. I don't know exactly how you come to that question now, the season is not even over. Historically you have to win something, I think, to win the Ballon d'Or most of the time.
"It was like this, that if you are not Messi or Ronaldo you have to win probably the Champions League, which we didn't do yet so give us a few more weeks and then we will see where we end up. Sadio wants to contribute, Sadio wants to help the team and that's what I love most of all."
Need a VPN? Or seeking to switch? Then support Tribal Football by clicking here to sign up with our official partners NordVPN. Not only will you receive the best VPN experience, but also great discounts by signing up via Tribal Football. Thanks for your support!