Mohamed Salah Hamed Mahrous Ghaly is an Egyptian professional footballer. He plays for Premier League club Liverpool as a forward and also captains Egypt’s national team. He is considered one of the greatest players in the world for his speed, finishing and dribbling.
Salah began his senior career playing for Al Mokawloon in 2010. He left in 2012 to join Basel where he won two Swiss Super League championships. Salah signed for Chelsea in 2014 for a reported sum of PS11 million. However, his limited game time led to loans to Fiorentina, Roma and later permanent signing for EUR15 million. Salah signed for Liverpool in 2017 for PS36.9million, making him the most expensive Egyptian player ever. Salah was awarded the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and the Premier League Golden Boot twice. He also finished third in the Best FIFA Men’s player category for 2018 and 2021. Salah also holds the record of scoring 32 Premier League goals in 38 games. He is Liverpool’s ninth highest all-time goal scorer.
Salah represented Egypt at youth and senior levels before making his international debut in 2011. After his performance at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Salah was named CAF’s Most Promising African Talent. He was runner-up at the 2017 and 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, and was the top scorer during CAF qualification when Egypt qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Salah was awarded the CAF African Footballer of the year (2017, 2018), BBC African Footballer of the year (2017, 2018) and the CAF Team of the YEAR (2017, 2018).
| Full name | Mohamed Salah Hamed Mahrous Ghaly |
| Date of birth | 15 June 1992 (age 29) |
| Place of birth | Nagrig, Basyoun Egypt |
| Height | 1.75m (5 ft 9in) |
| Position(s) | Forward |
| Club information | |
| Current team | Liverpool |
| Number | 11 |
Personal life
Salah at a press conference during the 2017 CAF Awards.
Salah and Maggi, his wife, were married in 2013. Makka, their daughter, was born in 2014. It is named after the Islamic holy city Mecca. Kayan, his second child, was born in 2020. Salah, a Muslim, celebrates goals with the sujud. Salah said that this goal celebration is similar to praying or thanking God. But it’s not praying and praying for a win. Since I was young, I have done it every day.
In November 2020, Salah tested positive for COVID-19.
Style of play
Analyse
Salah is most well-known for his speed, dribbling ability, and finishing.
Salah is a mobile, tactical, quick and hard-working player. He’s also known for his speed, movement and clinical finishing. He is a versatile forward who plays on the right flank as a winger. This position allows him to get in the centre on his stronger left foot and shoot on goal. He is also capable of playing in the centre behind his main striker as an attacking midfielder, or as a second striker.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp asked Salah to move to more central positions. He often operates as a main striker. Salah told ESPN that he is closer to the goal now than ever before. Salah started his career as a left-back player. However, after a win against the youth team from Egypt club ENPPI, Salah was devastated by missing several clear chances and his coach realized his passion for goals. He moved him to a forward position.
Reception
American coach Bob Bradley observed Salah’s play while playing Al Mokawloon and was impressed by his speed, intelligence, and explosiveness. Jose Mourinho described Salah as “young, fast, creative, enthusiastic” upon signing for Chelsea. We were able to see that he was a humble personality, willing to help the team. Mourinho said that Salah shares “similar qualities” to “talented players” he has worked with such as Gareth Bale or Arjen Robben. In the Italian media, Salah was nicknamed “Egyptian Messi” because of his technical skills, pace and left foot. He also scored goalscoring goals, and was a direct player. Ronaldo, the Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldo, who Salah idolized as a child, stated that Salah was an extraordinary player with tremendous qualities. He looks like Messi.” Salah was also praised for refusing to celebrate against his former clubs.
In popular culture
Graffiti of Salah, Cairo
Salah mural in New York City
Liverpool fans chanted to Dodgy’s “Good Enough” to say that if Salah scored more goals, they would convert. “If he is good enough to you, he will be good enough to me. If he scores more, then I’ll also be Muslim.” The chant was approved by Salah, who has also been cited as an example for inclusivity. According to an American Political Science Review 2021 study, Salah’s move to Liverpool resulted in a 16% decrease in hate crimes and a corresponding reduction in Islamophobic online rhetoric from Liverpool fans. Salah is a devout Muslim sports figure, which makes him popular in the UK. His charm and apolitical personality have also made him a well-known figure. Salah prostrates to God during his goal celebration.
His fans and the media call Salah “The Pharaoh”. Liverpool supporters have given him the nickname “Egyptian Kings” because of a chant to James’ “Sit Down” song.
