- DOB/Age: 15 June 1992; 31 years old
- Nationality: Egyptian
- Height: 1.75m
- Position: Winger #11
- Signed/Debut: 22 June 2017; Roma; £37m
Joining Liverpool FC in 2017, Mohamed Salah quickly became a spectator favorite with his electrifying performances. His arrival impact was immediate, setting records and leading the Liverpool squad to glory in both local and English games. In this article, we’ll delve into Salah’s significant soccer path, navigating through his rise to popularity, his unique moments at Anfield Stadium, and the indelible mark he’s left on the team and its fans.
What is Mohamed Salah Childhood and Career?
Mohamed Salah’s path to soccer stardom started in Egypt, where he honed his skills from a young age. Growing up in Nagrig, Salah idolized legends like Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and Francesco Totti. He began playing for domestic youth teams Ittihad Basyoun and Othmason Tanta before causing the interest of the scouts from Al Mokawloon Al Arab. At just 14, he joined their youth team and swiftly impressed, earning a promotion to the first team at 15 under coach Mohamed Radwan.
Salah’s quick rise saw him balancing football with school, often making a three-hour journey for training. Despite his young age, he adapted quickly, displaying his talent and focus. His early years laid the foundation for an unspeakable career, marked by devotion and a relentless chase of excellence.
Club Career Before Liverpool
Taking a glance at his time at El Mokawloon Al Arab, Mohamed Salah ventured into English football, joining Swiss club Basel in 2012. His stint with Basel saw him excel, winning two Swiss Super League titles and gaining valuable experience in European competitions.
In 2014, Mohamed Salah made the move to the English Premier League, signing with Chelsea for a reported fee of £11 million. Despite flashes of brilliance, including crucial goals in the UEFA Champions League, he struggled for consistent playing time. Consequently, he was loaned to Serie A clubs Fiorentina and Roma in successive seasons.
It was during his time in Italy that Mohamed Salah truly thrived. At Fiorentina and later Roma, he showcased his exceptional talent, impressing with his speed, dribbling, and clinical finishing. Roma eventually secured his services permanently, and he became a pivotal icon in their squad, contributing significantly to their Serie A campaigns and English endeavors. His success in Serie A set the platform for his remarkable period at Liverpool club.
The Transfer to Liverpool FC
Mohamed Salah’s transfer to Liverpool FC in 2017 was a glorious moment for both the player and the club. Following impressive spells at Basel and in Serie A with Fiorentina and Roma, he had garnered attention from top clubs across Europe. Liverpool, under the management of Jürgen Klopp, identified Salah as a prime target to bolster their attacking options.
The transfer was completed on June 22, 2017, for a then-club record fee of £37 million. His arrival was met with anticipation and excitement from Liverpool fans, who saw him as a dynamic addition to their attacking lineup. Pundits hailed the move as a statement of intent from Liverpool, recognizing Salah’s pace, skill, and goal-scoring prowess as assets that could elevate the team’s performance in domestic and European competitions. However, there were also questions about whether he could replicate his success in the Premier League following his previous stint with Chelsea.
Achievements, Moments and Performances
His time at Liverpool has been marked by a plethora of remarkable achievements, cementing his status as one of the club’s greatest-ever players. In January 2019, Mohamed Salah reached a significant milestone by scoring his 50th Premier League goal for Liverpool in a thrilling 4-3 victory over Crystal Palace. This feat was accomplished in just 72 appearances, making him the joint-fourth fastest player to achieve this milestone in Premier League history, alongside Fernando Torres.
Salah’s impact extends beyond the pitch, as he has been an advocate for combating racism in football just like Dominik Szoboszlai who advocated for ‘No Room for Racism‘ campaigns. In February 2019, Salah was subjected to racial abuse from fans during a match against West Ham United. The incident prompted an investigation by the club, resulting in a fan being banned for three years. The Egyptian forward continued to rewrite the record books, breaking Fernando Torres’ record to become the fastest player to score 50 Premier League goals for Liverpool, achieving the feat in just 69 appearances. His remarkable form saw him earn widespread acclaim, with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard hailing him as “the start of greatness.”
Salah’s heroics weren’t confined to domestic competitions, as he played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s triumph in the 2019 UEFA Champions League final against Tottenham. Despite missing the semi-final due to injury, Mohamed Salah returned to score Liverpool’s opening goal from the penalty spot, helping secure a historic 2-0 victory and their sixth European Cup. His contributions didn’t go unnoticed, as Salah received numerous accolades, including the prestigious FIFA FIFPro World11 nomination in 2019. Salah’s outstanding performances saw him finish 5th in the 2019 Ballon d’Or voting, further solidifying his status among the soccer elite.
The following season, Mohamed Salah continued to dazzle, scoring a hat-trick in Liverpool’s opening game over Leeds United, becoming the first player in Premier League history to score in four consecutive league openers. He also reached the milestone of 100 Premier League goals for the senior club, securing it in just 151 games, fewer than any other player in the club’s history. His remarkable consistency and impact on the pitch have elevated him to legendary status at Liverpool, with manager Jürgen Klopp praising him as the best player in the world at that moment. With numerous records shattered and accolades earned, Indeed, Mo’s legacy at Liverpool continues to grow with each passing season.
How Religious is Mo Salah?
When it comes to his personal life, Mohamed Salah has a strong connection to his faith, family, and culture. He married his wife, Maggi, in 2013, and together they have two daughters, Makka and Kayan. Their decision to name their first daughter after the Islamic holy city of Mecca demonstrates Salah’s deep-rooted religious beliefs and reverence for his heritage. Outside of football, he enjoys playing video games, particularly football on his PlayStation, adding a touch of humor by joking that his virtual self is stronger than his real-life counterpart. Additionally, Mohamed Salah has a fondness for kushari, a traditional Egyptian dish, showcasing his pride in his country’s culinary heritage.
Salah’s philanthropic endeavors are notable, particularly in his hometown of Nagrig, where he has contributed to the construction of schools, hospitals, and other essential facilities to uplift the community. Additionally, he has shown compassion and generosity towards individuals in need, such as helping families affected by economic hardship and supporting various charitable causes, including donating to rebuild a church after a tragic fire and providing aid during conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war.
His status as a role model and ambassador for both football and humanitarian causes has left a lasting impression, inspiring millions and leaving a positive legacy both on and off the pitch.
Will Mo Salah Leave Liverpool FC?
Amid speculation about Jurgen Klopp’s exit from Liverpool, Mohamed Salah has addressed rumors suggesting he might follow the manager out. Despite reports of interest from Saudi Arabia and Klopp’s impending departure, Salah affirmed his commitment to Liverpool, stating that managerial changes are part of football. With his contract running until 2025, Salah emphasized his focus on the present and downplayed any influence Klopp’s exit might have on his decision to stay with the club, indicating his readiness to adapt to changes in the team’s leadership. This is contrary to those in their final 18 months contract like Trent Alexander Arnold and Virgil van Dijk who are said to be preparing to exit right after Klopp’s resignation.
Conclusion
Mohamed Salah’s journey at Liverpool FC has been marked by remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication. From breaking records to leading the team to multiple titles, Salah has become an icon at Anfield and in the global football community. His prolific goal-scoring ability, coupled with his philanthropic efforts off the field, has solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history. Salah’s impact transcends the pitch, inspiring millions worldwide.
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