Mohamed Salah - A Detailed Overview
Early Life
Mohamed Salah was born on June 15, 1992, in Nagrig, Egypt. From a young age, he demonstrated a passion and natural aptitude for soccer. This early talent led to him being scouted by El Mokawloon, a club based in the populous city of Cairo. At the tender age of 14, Salah journeyed to the city to join the club's youth ranks, leaving his small village life behind in the pursuit of his soccer dreams.
Beginning of Career
Salah's professional career took flight when he began playing for the Egyptian Premier League club El Mokawloon. Aged just 19, he broke into the club's first team during the 2010-11 season, but it was his performances the following season that really caught the attention both home and abroad. Despite the league's premature halt in 2011 due to the Port Said Stadium disaster, Salah's talent did not go unnoticed.
Transfer to FC Basel
Swiss club FC Basel signed Salah in 2012 after noticing his performances in the Under-23 African Championships and the 2012 Olympics. His time with Basel was highly successful. He helped the team win the Swiss Super League in his debut season and was also fundamental in their UEFA Europa League run in the 2012-13 season. He continued his impressive performance in the next season also, which ignited a spark of interest from Premier League clubs.
Transfer to Chelsea
In January 2014, Salah transferred to Chelsea for a reported fee of £11m. However, his time there was challenging, as he found it difficult to secure a regular place in the team. After a year with Chelsea, Salah was loaned to Italian clubs Fiorentina (ina 2015), and then AS Roma (in 2016), where he eventually found his form again.
AS Roma
Salah's loan to Roma in 2016 was made permanent by the end of the season, and Salah began to refine his skills and build confidence. He hit double figures for goals and assists in Serie A during his time there, drawing attention from some of Europe's biggest clubs.
Transfer to Liverpool
Salah moved to Premier League club Liverpool FC in June 2017, for a reported fee of £36.9m. His return to the Premier League was a monumental success, with Salah scoring a record-breaking 44 goals in his debut season, breaking the record for the most goals in a 38-game season. His stunning performances helped Liverpool FC reach the UEFA Champions League final, and he was named the Premier League Player of the Season.
Continued Success at Liverpool
Salah's brilliance continued in the following seasons where he won the Premier League Golden Boot again in 2018 and won the UEFA Champions League in 2019. His consistent performances have helped Liverpool maintain their status as one of the top clubs in English and European football. Salah helped Liverpool FC clinch their first Premier League title in 2020, ending a 30-year wait for the club.
International Career
Salah has represented Egypt on the international stage, playing in the African Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup. He played an instrumental part in helping Egypt qualify for the 2018 World Cup, their first in 28 years. His performances for his country have made him a national hero.
Style of Play
Mohamed Salah is known for his incredible speed, as well as his ability to play with either foot. A versatile player, Salah can play as a forward or winger with equal prowess. His ability to dribble past defenders, clinical finishing, and vision for assists make him a valuable asset to any team.
Personal Life
Mohamed Salah married his wife, Magi, in 2013. They have two daughters together, Makka and Kayan. Salah is known for being devoutly religious, often making visible displays of his faith. He also has a reputation for philanthropy, notably funding the development of facilities in his hometown of Nagrig.
Philanthropy and Influence
Salah's global popularity has seen him use his platform for good. He is noted for his philanthropy work, particularly in his homeland Egypt. He has funded the construction and development of schools and hospitals in his hometown. Salah is also a vocal advocate for women's rights in the Middle East. His influence has transcended the sphere of soccer, making him one of the most admired figures in the sport globally.
