Mohamed Salah: The Journey from Nagrig to Football Stardom

Every time I step into this place, I’m flooded with memories of how he moved and controlled the ball. It was truly remarkable.

Key Highlights

• Salah, now a global icon, started his journey in Nagrig, Egypt.
• He has scored 245 goals for Liverpool since joining in 2017.
• Despite his club success, Salah aims to lead Egypt to international glory.
• His charitable work has significantly impacted his hometown.

One of Mohamed Salah’s early coaches is opening the newly renovated youth center in Nagrig, a village located about three hours north of Cairo. This village is where it all began for Salah, one of the world’s most prolific forwards and the man who helped propel Liverpool to the Premier League title last May.

It was here, on the streets of Nagrig, that a seven-year-old Salah would play football with his friends, pretending to be the likes of Brazil’s Ronaldo, France’s Zinedine Zidane, or Italy’s Francesco Totti. Ghamry Abd El-Hamid El-Saadany recalls, “Mohamed was smaller than his teammates, yet he performed feats that even older boys couldn’t.”

Today, Salah, 33, is entering his ninth season with Liverpool, where he has netted an impressive 245 goals in 402 league and cup matches since his arrival in 2017. He has achieved every domestic honor and the coveted Champions League title with the Reds, but the international success with his country remains elusive.

With the Africa Cup of Nations approaching in December and the 2026 World Cup looming, BBC Sport traveled to Egypt to explore what Salah represents to a nation of 115 million football enthusiasts. His journey from humble beginnings to national icon is a tale that resonates deeply.

“I still feel my father’s joy when I watch Salah,” shares Lamisse El-Sadek at the Dentists Cafe in Cairo. The cafe, named after its original owner’s profession, has become a hub for Liverpool fans to gather and watch matches on the big screen.

Wearing a Liverpool jersey with her father’s name on the back, Lamisse reflects on the times they spent watching games together. “Every Liverpool game brought immense joy to our household, and even if I missed some of it due to school or work, my father would text me updates minute-by-minute.”

It’s clear that Salah’s rise to stardom is not just about football; it’s a source of pride for many in Egypt. “He didn’t come from privilege but worked hard and made sacrifices to reach this point. Many of us see ourselves in him,” Lamisse adds.

Nagrig, nestled among lush green fields, is where Salah spent his formative years. His family embodies humility and respect, a trait that has endeared them to the community. “Salah’s family laid the groundwork for his success,” El-Saadany notes, standing next to a photograph of Salah with the Champions League trophy.

Children in Nagrig run about in Liverpool and Egypt jerseys bearing Salah’s name and number. Murals depicting him adorn the village, and even local businesses celebrate his legacy. Ahmed El Masri, a barber in the village, recalls how he gave Salah his signature curly hairstyle. “His friends were skeptical about getting their hair cut here, but Mohamed always came to me,” he laughs, reminiscing about the young star’s days in the village.

As a teenager, Salah faced a grueling commute to training at Arab Contractors, often traveling alone. “Imagine a child leaving home at 10 and not returning until midnight. Only someone with a clear goal could handle such a burden,” El-Saadany recounts.

Upon reaching Cairo, Salah made his mark on the global stage during the 2011 Under-20 World Cup. Coach Diaa El-Sayed recalls, “Despite the country’s instability, Salah stood out with his speed and focus. His willingness to listen and work hard has been key to his success.”

Even now, Salah’s significance to Egypt is profound; high-ranking officials have intervened when he’s been injured. Dr. Mohamed Aboud, the national team medic, recalls the pressure he felt when Salah suffered a serious shoulder injury during the 2018 Champions League final. “I received numerous calls from officials concerned for his well-being,” Aboud shares.

Salah’s return to play in the World Cup was bittersweet. Although he participated, Egypt exited the tournament early. “He was pivotal in our qualification campaign, scoring crucial goals,” says former assistant coach Mahmoud Fayez.

At a football academy called ‘The Maker’, founded by former Egyptian striker Mido, young players learn the discipline required to succeed. “Salah’s commitment to his mental strength is why he is where he is today,” Mido emphasizes. “He’s an ambassador for Egypt and African players, breaking barriers in European football.”

Back in Nagrig, the impact of Salah’s charity work is evident. Rashida, a local vegetable seller, expresses gratitude for his contributions to the community. “He’s a good man, like a brother to us,” she says. The Mohamed Salah Charity Foundation aids orphans, widows, and the impoverished, showcasing his dedication to his roots.

As Liverpool celebrated their title win last season, the cafe in Nagrig was alive with excitement, uniting fans in honor of their beloved star. Will there be more celebrations in 2025-26? Although Salah has helped Liverpool secure titles, he still seeks international glory with Egypt, where the pressure mounts.

“Salah has already cemented his legacy as the greatest Egyptian footballer,” Mido asserts. “He doesn’t need to prove anything more; he’s a legend for Liverpool and Egypt alike.”

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