The Egyptian King's Roots
In the heart of Egypt's Nile Delta, nestled among lush fields of jasmine and watermelons, lies the small village of Nagrig. It is here, about three hours north of Cairo, where Mohamed Salah’s extraordinary journey began. The village, known for its dirt roads where water buffalos and donkeys share space with modern vehicles, is a humble setting that contrasts dramatically with the global stage Salah now occupies.
Salah’s story is one of a young boy with a dream. At just seven years old, he would spend hours on the streets of Nagrig, playing football with friends, emulating his idols like Brazil's Ronaldo, France's Zinedine Zidane, and Italy's Francesco Totti. One of his early coaches, Ghamry Abd El-Hamid El-Saadany, recalls Salah’s exceptional talent: "He was small compared to his teammates, but he did things even older boys couldn’t manage. His shots were incredibly powerful, and he had a determination that stood out."
Today, Salah’s legacy is ingrained in the village. The youth center, now upgraded with a professional-grade pitch and named in his honor, stands as a tribute to his humble beginnings. Children in Nagrig dream of following in Salah’s footsteps, donning Liverpool and Egypt jerseys with his name and number. A mural of Salah graces the wall outside his old school, while a tuk-tuk adorned with his smiling face beeps its horn as it zooms past.
A Story of Sacrifice and Support
Salah’s rise to fame was not without obstacles. He didn’t come from a privileged background. His family, who still live in Nagrig with humility, played a crucial role in his success. Salah’s father and uncle are particularly remembered for their unwavering support. Salah’s uncle, the chairman of the local youth center, recalls the sacrifices made by the family when Salah was young. They encouraged him to pursue his passion, even allowing him to leave school early at age 14 to join Cairo-based club Arab Contractors, also known as Al Mokawloon.
The daily round trips from Nagrig to Cairo, taking many hours, became legendary. Yet Salah’s focus and determination were unwavering. His story of hard work and perseverance resonates deeply with Egyptians, who see in Salah a reflection of their own struggles and aspirations.
The Barber Who Shaped a Legend
In Nagrig, there’s a barber whose story is intertwined with Salah’s journey. Ahmed El Masri, who cut Salah’s hair when he was a teenager, recalls the young player's confidence and style. Despite his peers urging him to visit a city barber, Salah chose El Masri, who fondly remembers: "I'm the one who gave him that curly hairstyle and the beard. The next day, his friends would be surprised and ask him, 'Who’s your barber?'"
El Masri also remembers Salah’s early affinity for Liverpool. "When we all played PlayStation, Salah would always choose to be Liverpool. The other boys would pick Manchester United or Barcelona, but Salah was always Liverpool."
Salah’s hairstyle and his early connection to Liverpool were just two pieces of the puzzle that eventually led him to become one of the most prolific players in the Premier League. At Liverpool, he has scored an impressive 245 goals in 402 appearances since joining in 2017, helping the club secure the Premier League title in 2019.
An Icon at Home
In Egypt, Salah’s impact extends far beyond the football field. He is celebrated as a national hero, a symbol of hope and inspiration for a nation of 115 million football fans. Lamisse El-Sadek, a Liverpool fan in Cairo, describes Salah’s influence: "I still feel my father’s joy when I watch Salah. After Salah joined Liverpool, we used to watch every match together at the Dentists Cafe, named after the former owner’s profession. My father passed away two years ago, but Salah’s games bring back those memories."
Salah has won every domestic honor with Liverpool, adding the Champions League title in 2018 to his impressive list of achievements. However, the global star has yet to lead Egypt to international glory, with the Africa Cup of Nations in December and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. His journey, however, continues to inspire Egyptians, who see in him a reflection of their own resilience and ambition.
A Legacy in the Making
As Salah prepares for his ninth season at Liverpool, his legacy in Nagrig and across Egypt is cemented. The village that once saw a young boy dreaming on the streets now witnesses his influence in every corner. From the youth center to the mural at his old school, Salah’s impact is undeniable. His story serves as a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and the ability to rise from humble beginnings to achieve greatness.
For millions in Egypt and beyond, Salah is more than just a footballer—he is a symbol of hope, a reminder that dreams can be realized with determination and sacrifice. As he continues to etch his name in the annals of football history, Salah remains a beacon of inspiration for a nation that holds him dear as its own.
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