Egypt's Pride: How Salah Became a National Icon

"Whenever I walk in here, I can't help but recall how he used to move and the way he controlled the ball. It was something else," reminisces one of Mohamed Salah's first coaches as he opens the gates of Nagrig's youth center. This humble village, three hours north of Cairo, is where the journey began for one of football's most prolific forwards - the man who helped Liverpool clinch the Premier League title.

On these very streets, a seven-year-old Salah would emulate his heroes: Brazil's Ronaldo, France's Zinedine Zidane, and Italy's Francesco Totti. Coach Ghamry Abd El-Hamid El-Saadany recalls, "Mohamed was small compared to his teammates, but he performed moves even older boys couldn't manage." The artificial pitch now bears Salah's name, a testament to his legacy.

The Making of a Football Icon

Now 33, Salah prepares for his ninth season at Liverpool, having scored an impressive 245 goals in 402 appearances since 2017. While he's won every domestic honor and the Champions League with Liverpool, international success with Egypt remains elusive as the Africa Cup of Nations and 2026 World Cup approach.

At Cairo's Dentists Cafe, Liverpool fan Lamisse El-Sadek shares, "I still feel my father's joy when watching Salah. After he joined Liverpool, we never missed a match together." The cafe, named after its original owner's profession, has become a hub for Liverpool supporters. Lamisse wears her father's name on a Liverpool jersey, remembering how he'd send minute-by-minute updates during games she missed. "Salah's journey from humble beginnings to stardom resonates with us all," she adds.

Nagrig: Where Dreams Took Flight

In Nagrig's lush Nile Delta farmlands, where jasmine and watermelons grow, Salah's legacy is everywhere. Children don Liverpool and Egypt jerseys bearing his name, while murals and tuk-tuks proudly display his image. Coach El-Saadany emphasizes, "Salah's family is the foundation of his success. Their humility and values make them beloved in our community."

The upgraded youth center, featuring a professional-grade pitch, stands as a tribute to Nagrig's most famous son. A massive Champions League trophy photo of Salah dominates one end. "His family made tremendous sacrifices," El-Saadany notes, "especially his father and uncle, who chairs this center."

From PlayStation to Stardom

Ahmed El Masri, Salah's childhood barber, chuckles as he recalls, "I gave him that signature curly hairstyle. His friends were surprised by how good he looked." The barber remembers young Salah always choosing Liverpool in PlayStation games while others picked Manchester United or Barcelona. "Now every village kid wants to be like him," he adds.

Salah's professional journey began at 14 with Cairo's Arab Contractors (Al Mokawloon). His legendary dedication - enduring hours of daily travel between Nagrig and Cairo while balancing school - has inspired millions across Egypt and beyond.

Listen to the full story: Mohamed Salah: The Egyptian King