Mohamed Salah Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 15, 2025
Few footballers in the modern era have captured the hearts of fans across continents quite like Mohamed Salah. Revered for his blistering pace, clinical finishing, humility, and relentless consistency, Salah has risen from a promising youngster in a small Egyptian town to one of the most celebrated footballers on the planet.
As of 2025, he stands not just as a star for Liverpool FC and the Egyptian national team, but as a global icon, cultural ambassador, and symbol of perseverance.
Then: The Boy from Nagrig – A Dream Forged in Humility (1992–2014)
1. Early Life and Roots
Born on June 15, 1992, in Nagrig, a small village in the Gharbia Governorate of Egypt, Mohamed Salah grew up in a modest, close-knit family.
His father worked for the local government, and his mother was a homemaker. Football was his passion from an early age—played barefoot on dusty streets with a makeshift ball.
Salah joined Arab Contractors FC’s youth academy in Cairo at the age of 14. His talent was evident: explosive speed, close ball control, and a knack for scoring.
By 2010, at just 18, he made his professional debut for the senior team, quickly becoming a standout player in the Egyptian Premier League.
2. First Steps in Europe – Basel and the Breakthrough (2014–2015)
Salah’s performances caught the eye of European scouts. In 2014, he signed with FC Basel in Switzerland—a pivotal move that launched his international career.
At Basel, Salah shone brightly:
- Scored 20 goals in 79 appearances
- Helped the club win the Swiss Super League
- Excelled in the UEFA Europa League, including a goal against Chelsea
His speed, agility, and intelligent runs made him a nightmare for defenders. European giants began to take notice.
Related: Vinícius Júnior Then and Now
The Rise: Trials, Redemption, and the Making of a Star (2015–2017)
1. Move to Chelsea – A Rocky Start
In 2015, Salah signed with Chelsea FC for £11 million—a major step, but one that didn’t go as planned. Limited playing time under manager José Mourinho and a lack of consistent opportunities left him frustrated.
He was loaned to Fiorentina (2015–16) and then AS Roma (2016–17), where he began to rediscover his form.
2. Revival at AS Roma
At Roma, Salah blossomed into a full-fledged star:
- Scored 34 goals in 83 appearances
- Became a fan favorite for his work rate and flair
- Played a key role in Roma’s 2016–17 Serie A campaign, finishing second in the league
His performances in Italy silenced doubters and proved he could thrive at the highest level. The stage was set for his return to England—not as a question mark, but as a statement.
Related: Kevin De Bruyne Then and Now
Now: The Liverpool Legend and Global Superstar (2017–2025)
1. Arrival at Liverpool – A Transformation Begins
In June 2017, Liverpool signed Mohamed Salah for £36.9 million—a record fee for the club at the time. Few could have predicted the seismic impact he would have.
In his first season (2017–18), Salah shattered records:
- 32 Premier League goals – breaking the single-season record (shared with Alan Shearer, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luis Suárez)
- Won the Premier League Golden Boot
- Named PFA Players’ Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year
His debut season culminated in a UEFA Champions League final appearance—though it ended in heartbreak due to a shoulder injury from a tackle by Sergio Ramos.
2. A Catalyst for Liverpool’s Golden Era
Salah didn’t stop. He became the engine of Liverpool’s resurgence under Jürgen Klopp:
- UEFA Champions League Winner (2019) – Scored in the final against Tottenham
- Premier League Champion (2019–20) – Liverpool’s first league title in 30 years
- FIFA Club World Cup Winner (2019)
- FA Cup and EFL Cup Winner (2022)
He formed one of football’s most feared attacking trios with Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino, known as “The Front Three.”
3. Record-Breaking Achievements
By 2024, Salah had cemented his legacy at Anfield:
- Over 180 goals for Liverpool in all competitions
- Fastest player in Premier League history to reach 100 goals (in just 162 games)
- Three-time Premier League Golden Boot winner (2018, 2019, 2022)
- Two-time African Footballer of the Year (2017, 2018)
- Included in the PFA Team of the Year multiple times
He also holds the record for most goals in a single Premier League season by a right-winger.
4. Ballon d’Or Contender and Global Recognition
Salah has been a consistent top-10 finisher in the Ballon d’Or rankings, peaking at 5th in 2018 and 2019. In 2019, he was named BBC African Sports Star of the Year and featured on the cover of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list.
He’s not just a footballer—he’s a cultural icon in Egypt and across the Arab world.
Related: Lionel Messi Then and Now
International Career: Egypt’s Golden Boy
1. National Team Leadership
Salah has been the face of Egyptian football since his senior debut in 2010. He led Egypt to:
- Africa Cup of Nations finals (2017, 2021)
- FIFA World Cup 2018 – Egypt’s first appearance since 1990
- FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers (narrowly missed qualification)
Despite Egypt’s limited success on the international stage, Salah remains a national hero. His goal against Congo in 2017—scored from a last-minute penalty—sent Egypt to the World Cup and sparked nationwide celebrations.
2. Symbol of Pride and Unity
In Egypt, Salah is more than a footballer—he’s a symbol of hope, perseverance, and national pride. Mosques have been named after him, murals cover city walls, and politicians have even credited him with improving Egypt’s global image.
He’s used his platform to support education, healthcare, and youth development in Egypt, donating millions to charities and hospitals.
Related: Cristiano Ronaldo Then and Now
Personal Life and Character
Known for his humility, faith, and professionalism, Salah is admired as much for his character as for his talent. A devout Muslim, he often fasts during Ramadan while maintaining peak performance, earning respect from fans and athletes of all backgrounds.
He is married to Magen Salah, his childhood sweetheart, and they have two daughters. Despite his fame, he lives a relatively private and grounded life, often returning to Nagrig to visit family and support the local community.
He’s also a vocal advocate for:
- Women’s rights in Egypt
- Youth empowerment
- Anti-racism in football
His calm demeanor and thoughtful interviews have made him a role model for millions.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Mohamed Salah has transcended sport to become a global ambassador for Egypt, Islam, and African excellence. He’s broken barriers:
- First African player to win the Premier League Golden Boot multiple times
- One of the most marketable athletes in the world
- Featured in global campaigns for Adidas, Pepsi, and Vodafone
His influence extends beyond football into fashion, media, and diplomacy. In 2018, the Egyptian government named a newly discovered beetle after him in honor of his achievements.
He’s also inspired a new generation of Arab and African footballers to dream big and believe in their potential.
Conclusion: Mohamed Salah – Then and Now
- Then: A boy from a small Egyptian village, kicking a ball on dusty streets, dreaming of playing for his country.
- Now: A global superstar, Liverpool legend, African icon, and one of the greatest footballers of his generation.
Mohamed Salah’s journey is a testament to talent, hard work, faith, and resilience. He overcame early setbacks, adapted to new cultures, and rose to the top with grace and humility.
As he continues to score, lead, and inspire, one thing is clear:
Mohamed Salah isn’t just rewriting the record books.
He’s redefining what’s possible—for a player, a nation, and a continent.
⚽ “I play for my family, my country, and every child who dares to dream.” – Mohamed Salah
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