When the conversation pivots toward global football giants, Mohamed Salah stands amongst the greats. Dubbed “The Egyptian King” across the world, Salah bewitched the fans with blistering pace, razor-sharp finishing, and goal-doubling abilities with consistency. Be it setting the pitch on fire in the Premier League with Liverpool or leading his national side Egypt at the world stage, Salah’s journey is a theory of dedication, discipline, and brilliance. Let’s delve into these stats, milestones, and legacies that make Salah a true FIFA legend.
Early Years and Breakthrough
He was born in Nagrig, Egypt, on June 15, 1992. By 18, he appeared for El Mokawloon in Sudan, playing in the Egyptian Premier League. He soon established a reputation for pace and agility, prompting a transfer to FC Basel in Switzerland in 2012.
47 times for Basel
Scoring 9 goals
Making 7 assists
He clinched two Swiss Super League titles, shining in UEFA Europa League performances in which he scored vital goals against Chelsea, the club that would in due course become his next employer.
Premier League with Chelsea
In January of 2014, Salah joined Chelsea FC for an £11 million fee. However, under manager José Mourinho, he found it difficult to get a game, appearing just 13 times in the league and scoring 2 goals. Though that period may not have worked in showing his talents, it became a time to absorb valuable lessons Critical lessons that would cultivate his resolve and hunger for success.
Italy Rise: Fiorentina & Roma
Salah had the intention of reviving his career in Serie A, first with Fiorentina on loan and later transferring to AS Roma for good. There, he dazzled with his attacking ability and predatory instincts:
Stats with Roma:
- 83 appearances
- 34 goals
- 22 assists
His performance catapulted him among the league’s elite strikers and thus paved the way for his return to the Premier League, this time with the triumphant Liverpool FC.
Anfield Era: Egypt’s King at Liverpool
Mohamed Salah’s signing for Liverpool back in 2017 for a then-club record transfer fee of £36.9 million saw him arrive, impacting the ground running. In his very first season, 2017-2018, he scored 32 goals in the Premier League, breaking the record for the most goals in a 38 match season and thus earning himself the first Golden Boot as Mohamed Salah flying high.
Since the singular period, Salah’s consistency has been evident:
- Premier League Appearances (2017-2025): 230 and counting
- Goals: 145-and-counting plus
- Assists: 55-and-counting
He won several trophies with Liverpool, among which were:
- Premier League (2019-20)
- UEFA Champions League (2018-19)
- FIFA Club World Cup (2019)
- FA Cup (2021-22)
- EFL Cup (2021-22 and 2023-24)
He became the on-record fastest player to score 50 Premier League goals for Liverpool, registering this mark in a mere 72 matches, then went on to etch his name also as the first Liverpool player to score 20 or more goals in six successive seasons.
International Career with Egypt
Mohamed Salah is a hero not only at club level; in Egypt, he is practically a national treasure. He made his debut for the national team in 2011 and scored 55 goals in 96 matches ever since. Salah was instrumental in Egypt’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2018, scoring 5 goals in the qualifiers, including one final-minute penalty that sent them through.
He led Egypt to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final twice-in 2017 and 2021-but narrowly missed lifting the trophy both times. Regardless of that, Salah will forever be cherished in Egyptian football history for his leadership and performances.
Personal Awards and Accolades
Salah’s personal achievements truly affirm his footballing icon status. Some of his most prestigious awards include:
- PFA Players’ Player of the Year: 2017-18
- FWA Footballer of the Year: 2018 and 2022
- CAF African Player of the Year: 2017-2018
- Premier League Golden Boot: 2017-18, 2018-19, 2021-22
- BBC African Footballer of the Year: 2017 and 2018
- Liverpool Player of the Season: Several times
He was also listed in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2019 for his influence on the pitch and off it.
World Records Held by Mohamed Salah
Salah’s record-shattering career includes:
- Most goals in a Premier League 38-game season: 32
- Fastest Liverpool player to reach 100 Premier League goals
- Most goals by a Liverpool player in the Champions League: 42+
- First African player to score 30+ goals in a Premier League season
- Most goals in opening matches of Premier League in 7 different seasons