Mohamed Salah: Can Egypt’s Legend Inspire a New AFCON Era?

AGADIR, MOROCCO — December 22, 2025: Mohamed Salah of Egypt warms up ahead of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) football match between Egypt and Zimbabwe at Adrar Stadium in Agadir, Morocco. (Photo by Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images)

There’s only one Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward is inarguably the greatest player in Egyptian soccer history and one of the most decorated forwards in Liverpool’s storied history. After nine seasons with the Reds, Salah is set to depart this summer—though his legacy in England is already secure.

If he isn’t Liverpool’s greatest player ever, the debate is settled: he ranks among the top three. His impact on the Premier League and African soccer is equally monumental. The phrase “Only Mo Salah has more” has entered football lexicon, a testament to his unmatched standards. Whether it’s goals, assists, or trophies, Salah’s name remains the benchmark.

From Basel to Liverpool: The Making of a Legend

Salah’s European journey began with Basel, Chelsea, and Fiorentina, where he was seen as a promising but unspectacular winger. His early career lacked the flair of stepovers and flashy dribbling; instead, his strengths lay in technical competence and efficiency. Few predicted he would become a legend.

At 23, he joined Roma, and his career trajectory changed. Two years later, he returned to England with Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp, a move that redefined both his career and the club’s fortunes. His transformation was complete: no longer just a good forward, Salah became the engine driving Liverpool’s revival.

The Liverpool Dominance: Titles, Records, and Legacy

For eight years, Salah’s relentless forward play became his signature. He feinted, cut back, and wrong-footed defenders—not for show, but to press relentlessly toward goal. His ruthless efficiency redefined what it meant to be a Premier League forward.

In the 2024-25 season, Salah delivered arguably his finest campaign, notching a record 47 goal involvements in the Premier League as he led Liverpool to a league title. This was his second English league crown, adding to a Champions League trophy and countless individual and club honors.

Signs of Decline and a Pivotal AFCON 2025

The 2025-26 season, his ninth at Liverpool, showed signs of decline. His first touch, once a weapon to evade defenders, now faltered. His finishing lacked the same precision, raising questions about his future.

As Salah prepares for AFCON 2025 with Egypt, the tournament may represent his final chance to add continental glory to his legacy. With his Liverpool exit looming, the question remains: Can Egypt’s talisman inspire his nation to greatness one last time?