The final whistle echoed around Anfield, drawing the curtain on Liverpool's 2025/26 season. Mohamed Salah's nine-year tenure with the club also came to an end at this moment.
Nine years ago, few people believed the Egyptian forward, once labeled a "Premier League failure" after his transfer from Roma, could forge an extraordinary legacy at Anfield. Many even thought the youngster originating from a small village along the Nile would fail to adapt to English top-flight football again after switching his blue jersey for red.
Nine years later, as Salah waved farewell to all fans in his red kit, everyone has come to realize that he was never a player who needed to prove himself anew. He stood as a witness and participant of a glorious golden age, as well as the creator of an unforgettable football legend.
From Basel to Championship Glory
He helped Basel secure home and away victories over Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League, then joined Chelsea for 11 million pounds. Having only scored 2 goals in 19 appearances, he was forced to move to Italy. Salah regained his competitive edge and achieved a remarkable career rebirth in Serie A.
During his two seasons at Roma, he netted 34 goals in 83 matches. He gradually retrieved his sharp attacking instincts lost during his Chelsea spell. The Egyptian player who nearly fell into obscurity at Stamford Bridge flourished amid the Mediterranean breeze at the Stadio Olimpico.
When Liverpool signed Salah from Roma for 42 million euros in 2017, numerous people still cast skeptical glances at the striker branded as a Premier League flop. Nevertheless, Salah silenced all doubters in less than one season.
He scored on his debut against Watford. In his maiden Merseyside derby against Everton, he scored a stunning goal that later won the Puskas Award. He received the ball with his back to goal, spun past Martina, broke clear of Gueye, and curled a precise left-foot strike into the far corner.
Salah registered 44 goals in 52 games across all competitions, including 32 goals in 38 Premier League fixtures. His phenomenal stats put an end to all doubts. No one questioned the club's transfer decision, nor regarded his signing as taking back a discarded Chelsea player.
Chants resounding from the Kop stands in the second half of the season spoke for themselves. Salah never had to prove his value again. His return was never a second chance; he came back to claim supreme glory.
Still, his journey to greatness was far from smooth.
The 2018 UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid in Kyiv was poised to become Salah's career-defining match. Yet a brutal foul from the opponent turned the night heartbreaking for the entire Liverpool squad.
Salah was substituted early after being thrown by Sergio Ramos, leading to Liverpool's defeat. The injury also forced him to miss Egypt's opening group match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
He could only watch from the bench as Egypt suffered a header defeat by José Giménez against Uruguay. Unwilling to stay idle, Salah played through injury in the subsequent game against Russia. He won and converted a penalty in a 1-3 loss. He also scored a clever lob in the 22nd minute against Saudi Arabia, though Egypt lost the game 1-2.
One year later, the Champions League final was held in Madrid. Determined to turn past sorrow into motivation, Salah made an instant impact. Less than two minutes into the game, Sadio Mané's cross struck Moussa Sissoko's arm, and Salah calmly scored the penalty to give Liverpool a perfect start.
Salah rushed to the corner flag to celebrate with teammates, a scene deeply engraved in fans' memories. The goal was more than a simple celebration; it was a huge relief after bearing grievance for an entire year.
Liverpool defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 with Salah's penalty and Divock Origi's goal in the 87th minute. After 14 long years, the club returned to the summit of European football and lifted its sixth UEFA Champions League trophy.
Then came the memorable 2019/20 season cherished by all Liverpool supporters.
Liverpool clinched the Premier League title seven matches ahead of schedule amid empty stadiums, ending the club's 30-year title drought in a distinctive way.
Jordan Henderson lifted the Premier League trophy surrounded by Salah and other teammates. There were no thunderous cheers, only brilliant fireworks lighting up the sky.
How Significant Is Salah to Liverpool
Across nine seasons with Liverpool, Salah scored 257 goals in all competitions, ranking third on the club's all-time scoring list, only behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt. In Premier League history, merely Alan Shearer, Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney have recorded more goals than him.
Steven Gerrard once asked Salah how he hoped to be remembered. Salah replied: “I want people to rank me among the greatest players in Liverpool history. I hope my achievements can surpass yours and Kenny Dalglish.”
Though the words sounded bold, Trent Alexander-Arnold's remarks in a farewell video fully acknowledged his status. “I once considered Gerrard the best player in club history, but now I firmly place Salah alongside him as Liverpool's all-time legends.”
Salah boasts highly distinctive playing characteristics. He dribbles down the right flank and curls left-footed shots into the far corner. Commentators name this area "Salah territory", while fans call his striking foot "the Pharaoh's Left Foot".
Everyone can predict his next move, yet no defender can stop him. His strength lies not in fancy skills or powerful shots, but his extreme control over physical movements.
Personal coaches design elaborate training plans to stabilize his breathing and balance during high-speed sprints. Cryotherapy devices and hyperbaric chambers at his residence keep him in peak physical condition all year round.
Observing Ramadan fasting from sunrise to sunset, Salah even heads to the gym at two o'clock in the morning to boost stamina. Alisson Becker commented: “He spends astonishing hours on fitness training. He never relies purely on talent and holds firm determination to pursue self-improvement.”
His relentless perseverance brought him remarkable success at Anfield. Still, those who think his influence is limited to the pitch underestimate the power of the Egyptian Pharaoh.
In Toxteth, a Liverpool district home to numerous Somali immigrants, Salah acts as a symbol bridging cultural divides. His outstanding performances connect communities with diverse beliefs. Religious topics were rarely discussed among local fans before his arrival, and the atmosphere has undergone tremendous changes ever since.
A study conducted by Stanford University shows the local crime rate dropped by 18.9 percent after Salah joined Liverpool. In Egypt, his anti-drug campaign quadrupled calls to national addiction hotlines. Countless voters even wrote down his name in the 2018 Egyptian presidential election, despite his non-participation.
This is Mohamed Salah, the unmatched charm of the Egyptian Pharaoh.
Even with countless honors, he retains sincere affection for Liverpool like a loyal fan.
Salah choked up repeatedly during an interview with Gerrard. “I told club staff and management that the team needs a new role model after my departure. Players must stick to early training and gym sessions. Maintaining high standards is crucial for the club's steady development.”
“All teammates shared identical goals over the past decade. Everyone holds each other accountable for improper performance. I sincerely hope this fine team culture will be preserved and players stay united.”
After deciding to leave the club, Salah felt reluctant to see Liverpool slide into trouble under Arne Slot, expressing his heartfelt final thoughts.
