Salah has been among the few high-profile athletes to consistently speak out about the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In previous statements, he has urged world leaders to act to stop the violence, called for humanitarian aid to enter the region “immediately,” and condemned the continued suffering of civilians.
Mohamed Salah, one of the most prominent figures in world football, publicly criticized UEFA on Saturday for its vague tribute to Palestinian football legend Suleiman Al-Obeid, who was recently killed in Gaza.
The Egyptian and Liverpool forward—widely regarded as the most influential Arab footballer today—called out the European football governing body for failing to mention the circumstances of Al-Obeid’s death in its social media post.
UEFA had written on X:
“Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pelé.’ A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.”
In response, Salah reposted the message, asking: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” His pointed comment quickly went viral, amassing over 840,000 likes by Saturday night.
According to the Palestine Football Association (PFA), Al-Obeid was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting civilians who were waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza.
Al-Obeid, 41, was a former star of the Palestinian national team and reportedly scored over 100 goals during his career. Known for his skill and inspiration, he earned the nickname the “Palestinian Pelé.”
Following Salah’s post, the PFA shared what it described as a mess
age from UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, expressing condolences. The statement, written in Arabic, described Al-Obeid as someone who showed that “joy, talent, and pride can blossom despite suffering,” and said his legacy gave hope to children in Gaza and beyond.
Salah has been among the few high-profile athletes to consistently speak out about the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In previous statements, he has urged world leaders to act to stop the violence, called for humanitarian aid to enter the region “immediately,” and condemned the continued suffering of civilians.
Since the war began on October 7, 2023, the PFA reports that 325 people connected to Palestinian football—including players, coaches, referees, and other officials—have been killed.
The United Nations says over 1,300 people have been killed while trying to access food aid since late May, including more than 800 near Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution sites—an organization backed by Israel and the U.S.
While Palestine is officially recognized by FIFA and has competed in the last three AFC Asian Cup tournaments, it has yet to qualify for a World Cup. Politically, 75% of UN member states recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, though full UN membership remains blocked by the United States. Palestine currently holds non-member observer status in the UN General Assembly.
