January 2020 was a crucial moment for Mohamed Salah and Liverpool. As Anfield filled with tension, the home team held a precarious 1-0 lead against arch-rivals Manchester United during stoppage time. Alisson Becker, with quick thinking, launched a pass that sent Salah sprinting towards the Kop. Holding off Dan James, Salah coolly finished beneath David de Gea and celebrated with a message that resonated with Liverpool fans: “now you’re gonna believe us, we’re gonna win the league.” And they did.
This goal is just one of the remarkable 255 Salah has scored for Liverpool. While each goal adds to his incredible tally, this particular moment encapsulates the bond between Salah and the Liverpool supporters, an understanding of their shared ambitions and the energy required to achieve them. Over nearly a decade, Salah has gone through various highs and lows with the club, solidifying his place as one of Liverpool’s all-time greats. A prominent Muslim figure known for kissing the turf in gratitude after scoring, he has declared, “My kids are Scousers now,” demonstrating his deep connection to the city.
Salah’s legacy reflects an astonishing record of consistent excellence. His debut season at Liverpool was unforgettable, featuring 44 goals in just 52 matches after arriving from Roma in June 2017. This was no one-off. Each subsequent season saw him maintain or exceed impressive numbers, consistently delivering 23 or more goals per season. Alongside Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, he formed one of the most formidable attacks in the Premier League. Even as some teammates departed, Salah adapted and thrived, setting records and contributing to a history-making 47 goal involvements in just 38 matches last season.
Change, however, is part of every athlete’s journey. After his candid comments at Elland Road last November, criticizing Liverpool for not supporting him, it became evident that he was grappling with the challenges of maintaining his remarkable standards. His recent drop in attacking output prompted discussions around his future at the club, leading to an agreement for his departure this summer. This decision allows for a proper send-off, one that reflects the impact he has had on the club. “You deserve a send-off that reflects your status at LFC – the greatest. Second to none,” expressed teammate Andy Robertson.
As he prepares to leave, Salah stands as the third-highest goalscorer in Liverpool’s storied history, behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt. The idea of a Mount Rushmore of Liverpool legends would surely include Kenny Dalglish, Rush, Steven Gerrard, and now Salah. His influence extending far beyond the pitch, Salah reshaped the cultural landscape of the club, and when he did express his thoughts, they were powerful and meaningful. His dedication to fitness and professionalism allowed him to maximize his potential. Robertson noted, “Your mentality is second to none and a lot of people could take note. You have pushed yourself every single day and always demanded more from yourself and others.”
Surprisingly, for a player of his caliber, Salah’s record in major cup finals is one area that could attract criticism. His Champions League journey featured highs and lows: an injury in the 2018 final against Real Madrid and a thwarted attempt in 2022 against Thibaut Courtois. In the only FA Cup final he appeared in, an early injury limited his impact. The next two weeks are pivotal, as Liverpool prepares to face Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in critical knockout matches.
Despite these setbacks, it was Salah who opened the scoring in the pivotal 2019 Champions League final, a moment that marked a turning point for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. His ability to read the rhythm of a title race has been nothing short of remarkable. His late goal against Manchester United, his favorite opponent, signaled Liverpool’s end to a 30-year title drought. When they secured the Premier League title again, he celebrated alongside the Kop supporters who had been with him through it all.
Salah’s emotional farewell message on social media captures his sentiment about Liverpool: “I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, this people, would become part of my life. Liverpool is not just a football club, it’s a passion, it’s a history, it’s a spirit.” The bond forged between Salah, the boy from a small village in the Nile Delta, and the city he represented is profound and enduring. The reign of the Egyptian King will resonate long after the echoes of his chants fade away.
