London: Liverpool’s recent fall-out with Mohamed Salah has sparked an emotional reaction in Egypt, where the football icon remains a national hero. Once packed with supporters whenever Liverpool played, a bustling café in Cairo’s Shoubra district now sits nearly empty as the club’s Egyptian fanbase turns away from the screen.
The shift comes after Salah delivered a rare and blunt criticism of manager Arne Slot for benching him in three consecutive matches. The forward said he felt “thrown under the bus” by a club he has represented for more than seven years—remarks that split Liverpool supporters globally but united many Egyptians firmly behind their star.
Empty Café, Disappointed Fans
At the Shoubra café, longtime supporter Adel Samy recalled how crowds once spilled into the street whenever Salah appeared on the pitch. But during Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Inter Milan on Tuesday, only a few customers showed up—most absorbed in card games or scrolling their phones, barely acknowledging the match.
“He doesn’t deserve what’s happening,” Samy said, echoing a sentiment shared by many.
Islam Hosny, whose family runs the café, said the atmosphere used to rival an Ahly vs Zamalek derby, Egypt’s biggest football showdown. “When Salah isn’t playing, no one bothers to come,” he added.
Some patrons even asked staff to switch the channel to another match entirely.
Calls for Salah’s Exit Grow
Salah’s form this season has dipped—five goals in 19 appearances—as Liverpool struggle across competitions. Fans in Cairo remain frustrated, arguing that world-class players like Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi may slump, but rarely spend long stretches on the bench.
“How can Mohamed Salah sit out for so long?” asked 18-year-old Shady Hany. “It’s time for him to leave Liverpool.”
Slot, meanwhile, admitted he has “no clue” whether Salah will feature again, fueling further speculation.
Transfer Speculation Intensifies
With about 18 months left on his £400,000-per-week contract and an upcoming stint with the Egyptian national team for the Africa Cup of Nations, interest from Saudi Pro League clubs is heating up.
According to AFP, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Aramco-backed Al Qadsiah are closely monitoring the dispute. Al-Ittihad famously had a £150 million offer rejected two years ago.
Still, Egyptian football analyst Hassan Khalafallah believes Salah is motivated more by legacy than money.
“If he wanted the cash, he would have accepted Gulf offers earlier,” he said. “Salah cares about his career and what he leaves behind.”
A Hero’s Journey
Salah’s rise—from the Nile Delta village of Nagrig to European stardom—remains an inspiration across Egypt. Starting at El Mokawloon before moving to Basel, enduring struggles at Chelsea, rediscovering himself at AS Roma and flourishing at Liverpool, Salah has cemented his status as one of the Premier League’s greatest modern players.
“Salah is our pride, our star,” said fan Shady Hany. “Saudi Arabia is about money, but he deserves more. His story isn’t finished.”
