Mohamed Salah's Role and Criticism Amid Egypt's AFCON Campaign
Mohamed Salah's post-Leeds interview has dominated Egypt's sports discourse, garnering widespread support from both media and the public due to his status as Egypt's "golden child." Egyptian media and analysts highlight Salah as uniquely successful abroad, with his influence shaping 60–70% of recent Egyptian football coverage. Public discourse in Egypt largely justifies Salah airing his grievances, downplaying the sacred dressing-room code and emphasizing reverence for star players over managers or clubs.
Online and TV pundits have pointed to other figures, such as Arne Slot, and questioned the roles of Liverpool executives regarding Salah's contract situation. When former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher criticized Salah, Egyptian pundits and former players strongly defended the forward, arguing his comments lack proper context and overlook his achievements. Former Egypt players Hazem Emam and Mohamed Aboutrika have countered Carragher’s narrative, noting a broader AFCON context that underpins Salah’s status.
Salah is closely linked to Egypt’s football resurgence since winning the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). References to the 2012 Port Said riot, which resulted in 74 fatalities and a subsequent two-year league suspension, underscore the challenges Egyptian football has faced. Salah has played a key role in guiding Egypt to AFCON finals and World Cup qualifications.
Looking ahead, Egypt’s Pharaohs are drawn in AFCON Group B, competing against Angola, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Hossam Hassan has served as head coach since February 2024, yet questions persist about the federation's support and the aging squad. Following Liverpool's match against Brighton, Salah is expected to join Egypt for his fifth AFCON campaign, with hopes that he will use adversity to fuel his performance.
