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Mohamed Salah: The story of football’s latest superstar

By Thomas Bradley Alderman

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on November 25, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on November 25, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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SWANSEA, WALES – JANUARY 22: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool poses with a fan for a photo prior to the Premier League match between Swansea City and Liverpool at Liberty Stadium on January 22, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES – JANUARY 22: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool poses with a fan for a photo prior to the Premier League match between Swansea City and Liverpool at Liberty Stadium on January 22, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Early life in Egypt

Liverpool’s latest starlet was born on June 15, 1992 in the village of Nagrig in Egypt’s western province. Before the days when Salah was asked for ‘selfies’ with fans, he had already made an impression in Egypt.

"“The village became famous because of him.” (Via: Goal)"

By 11-years-old Salah joined Egyptian club El Mokawloon: During his under 16/17 days he scored 35 goals in one season. With promotion to the first team secured, he set about making an impact.

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Two seasons with the Egyptian outfit and 12 goals in 39 games put him on European clubs’ radars. Salah’s coach at the time, Mohamed Radwan, advised his wonder-kid to go there rather than to another African club.

It is said the Swiss side Basel had been monitoring the winger’s progress for some time. They even organised a match with Egypt under-23s just to view him up-close. While Salah did leave Egyptian club football in 2012, he is a revelation at international level. Scoring 32 times in 56 appearances.

He also never forgot his roots. Known as a grounded personality and philanthropist, he donated large amounts to build nurseries for his village hospital. Amongst other charitable projects in his home area.

Deep in the YouTube archives lays a gem. You can really see his talent even in the El Mokawloon days; as shown in this link.

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