Mo Salah. A Forever Red

All the way from Nagrig, Egypt to Liverpool, the Egyptian King has chosen to close his 9 year reign over Anfield’s soldiers in the summer of 2026. 

The first time I ever saw Mo Salah or heard his name was in 2018 on a random UK sports channel broadcasting street interviews from fans speaking adoringly about Mo Salah’s play. And once I saw him play, my eyes haven’t moved away; I wish they never could. 

The one out of a million-wonder boy was a late bloomer in most regards. Starting his true dominance over the game around the age of 26 instead of the many wonder-kids before and after him. But damn did that flower bloom luscious, with red and gold seeping from its intestines. Winning every single trophy there was to win with the Reds: 2x Premier League winner, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and accompanying them golden boots, PFA player of the years, Ballon D’or nominations, champions league awards, and more I probably missed. 

If Salah was English, he would be considered, without debate, the greatest right winger to play in the Premier League. But I’m so grateful he isn’t. Mo Salah to me was more than role model, more than a generational football player. He was direct proof to me that an Arab man can live in the mainstream light; control its shine, its hue, its luminosity. Mo exposed a part of my mentality that I was subconsciously pushing away: an acceptance of faith and culture. And I’m so glad he did. 

Because he didn’t have a traditional journey, once considered a failure, didn’t win it all, he did suffer, he did fall short, is why his Anfield statute will be plastered with everlasting shine into our memories as much as our eyes. A time when our humanity is filtered and hidden, Mo Salah never hid his culture, or upbringing, he made sure it shined just as bright as the silverware.

Touching our hearts and lifting our smiles every time he pierced the back of the net. The human being, the player, and the legend will never be lost no matter where he goes. Salah is Liverpool embodied, forever. 

Mohammed Salah, a gift from Allah.  

He came from Roma, to Liverpool.  

He’s always scoring, its almost boring.  

So please don’t take, Mohammed, away