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Mohamed Salah has written another chapter in his remarkable Liverpool story. With his strike against Atletico Madrid in Wednesday night’s Champions League opener at Anfield, the Egyptian forward moved into outright 10th place on the competition’s all-time scoring list. His 52nd goal in Europe’s premier tournament pushed him past Thierry Henry and cemented his status as one of the most prolific players the competition has ever seen.
The Goal That Sealed His Place
The record-breaking moment came early in the game. Liverpool had already taken the lead in unusual fashion when Andy Robertson diverted Salah’s free-kick past Jan Oblak. Minutes later, Salah produced a goal worthy of his reputation.
Driving inside from the right, he exchanged passes with Ryan Gravenberch before calmly slotting into the bottom corner. The finish was clinical, and the Kop responded with a roar that recognized both the significance of the strike and the quality of the player who delivered it.
It was a goal that put Liverpool two ahead, but it also etched Salah’s name even deeper into Champions League history.
A Journey Through Europe
Salah’s Champions League story is not just about his Liverpool years, although they make up the bulk of his tally. His first taste of the competition came with Swiss side FC Basel, where he scored five goals in qualifiers and group stages. Those early nights provided a glimpse of his potential, long before he became a global star.
A short stint with AS Roma also added to his record, with one goal scored in Europe’s biggest club competition. But it was not until his 2017 move to Liverpool that Salah’s Champions League career truly exploded.
The Liverpool Era
Since arriving at Anfield, Salah has been a near-constant presence on European score sheets. Of his 52 Champions League goals, 46 have come in Liverpool red. He has scored against some of the biggest clubs in world football, delivered in knockout rounds, and played a central role in guiding the Reds to two finals in consecutive years.
His crowning moment came in 2019, when he converted a second-minute penalty in the final against Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid. That strike set Liverpool on their way to a sixth European Cup and gave Salah the trophy his talents had long deserved.
Beyond the big occasions, his consistency is striking. He has found the net in every campaign he has played for Liverpool, whether in the group stage or the latter rounds. Even as opponents double up on him, he finds space, creates danger, and keeps delivering.
Passing a Legend
Salah’s 52nd goal moved him past Thierry Henry, one of the most celebrated forwards in modern football. For context, Henry’s record was built across spells with Monaco, Arsenal, and Barcelona. To surpass such a name underlines the scale of Salah’s achievement.
The Egyptian is now rubbing shoulders with some of the game’s true giants. The list above him includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, and Karim Benzema. These are players whose goals have defined an era. That Salah has joined this group speaks volumes about his longevity and his quality.
A Player of Records
Salah has made a habit of breaking records since he arrived in England. He set a new Premier League single-season scoring record in 2017–18, he is Liverpool’s all-time top scorer in European competition, and he continues to climb charts both domestically and internationally.
In the Champions League alone, he has already scored more than Steven Gerrard, Liverpool’s previous leading marksman in Europe. Each new milestone reinforces his status as one of the club’s greatest ever players.
More Than Just Goals
What makes Salah’s achievements even more impressive is that he offers more than just finishing. His speed, intelligence, and creativity have been just as valuable to Liverpool’s success. He stretches defenses, creates space for others, and provides crucial assists.
But when the moment comes, he is ruthless. The coolness of his finish against Atletico summed up why he has reached this level. He rarely panics in front of goal, instead picking his spot and executing with precision.
Still Climbing
At 32, Salah shows little sign of slowing down. His physical conditioning remains excellent, his desire undiminished. With Liverpool in a new cycle under Arne Slot, he is still the focal point of the attack.
That means more Champions League goals are almost certain to come. Passing Henry was a milestone, but Salah will already have his eye on those ahead of him. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Andriy Shevchenko sit within reach, and even higher positions on the list are possible if he continues to play at this level for several more seasons.
What It Means for Liverpool
For Liverpool, having a player of Salah’s pedigree leading the line is invaluable. Not only does he deliver goals, but his presence raises the level of those around him. Young talents like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak can learn from him, while established players like Dominik Szoboszlai thrive on his movement and link-up play.
His records also add to Liverpool’s global appeal. Every goal he scores strengthens his reputation as one of the club’s icons, attracting fans from across the world.
Egypt’s Pride
Back home in Egypt, Salah’s feats in Europe are followed with immense pride. He is not just a footballer but a national symbol, someone who carries the hopes of millions. Every Champions League milestone he achieves is celebrated as a collective triumph.
By moving into the top 10 scorers of all time, Salah has ensured that his country is represented at the very summit of world football. His journey from Nagrig, a small village in Egypt, to the elite stages of Europe is the stuff of legend.
Legacy Taking Shape
With every passing season, Salah’s legacy grows. He is already certain to be remembered as one of Liverpool’s greatest forwards, but his place in Champions League history ensures his name will be spoken about long after he retires.
Few players reach this level. Fewer still do it while maintaining the humility and professionalism Salah shows. His focus on the team, his relentless drive, and his ability to perform under pressure have made him one of the defining figures of this footballing era.
Conclusion
Mohamed Salah’s 52nd Champions League goal was more than just a number. It was the latest milestone in a career that has combined talent, dedication, and remarkable consistency. Passing Thierry Henry to become the 10th-highest scorer in the competition’s history is a testament to his quality and longevity.
Liverpool fans will remember the night for Virgil van Dijk’s late winner, but they will also treasure the fact that their No. 11 continues to rewrite the record books. With years still ahead of him at the top level, Salah’s story in Europe is far from finished. And as history shows, when Salah is on the pitch, more records are never far away.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com