"Egyptian media was always going to stand by Salah, says the Egyptian journalist and co-founder of the sports website KingFut, Adam Moustafa. When you look at the content over the last five years or so of Egyptian football, 60-70% has been based around him. He's a unique status that we've never had, for someone abroad to be so successful. He's the golden child of Egypt."
"The true measure of Salah's cultural weight became clear in the breadth of national conversation, as talk around his interview spilled beyond the confines of football punditry. One of Egypt's most known news presenters, Amr Adib, whose loud, brash political and economic opinions often go viral for all the wrong reasons, staunchly came to Salah's defence. Political commentators dissected Salah's words through the lens of negotiation tactics. Even YouTube film critics and foodie TikTokers felt compelled to offer their analysis."
Mohamed Salah's stature in Egypt means his every move dominates public discourse. His comments after being benched in Liverpool's 3-3 draw at Leeds became the central topic across Egyptian sports media. Egyptian outlets largely defended him, with estimates that 60-70% of Egyptian football content over recent years has been about him. The national conversation extended beyond football punditry to news presenters, political commentators, YouTube critics and TikTok creators. Many framed his remarks as justified given his past contributions and reputation. British coverage leaned toward describing him as disrespectful and selfish, creating sharply contrasting national perspectives and turning the episode into a wider national crisis.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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