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 one out of a million-wonder boy was a late bloomer in most regards. But damn did that flower bloom luscious, with red and gold seeping from its intestines. 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 lead orchestrator of all the frequencies of emotionand model of pure work ethic. 

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, mishaps and misgivings are swept under a seamless rug and never spoken about. But Mo Salah never hid his culture, his person, his goals, and well for his numbers, they were impossible to hide. 

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