Mohamed Salah Feels the Love Again in Morocco as Africa Cup of Nations Return Highlights His Enduring Importance for Egypt and Liverpool

The moment Mohamed Salah arrived in Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations, something felt different.

Not tactical tweaks, not training drills — just warmth.

After a bruising month back at Liverpool, the Egyptian forward has been wrapped in appreciation again, and it shows.

From the national team setup to the streets of Agadir, Salah has been reminded what it feels like to be adored.

Praise From the Top and Posters Everywhere

Egypt boss Hossam Hassan set the tone early, calling the 33-year-old an icon and one of the best players on the planet.

CAF followed suit, splashing Salah’s face across billboards and promotional material around the host nation.

You don’t need to speak Arabic to sense his presence either — his name drifts from taxi radios, beach bars and street chatter like background music.

Egypt’s Crown Jewel Returns to His People

In Egypt, the admiration runs deeper than club rivalries or weekly form debates.

Salah isn’t just a footballer — he’s royalty.

The “Egyptian King” nickname barely scratches the surface of his status back home.

No British athlete has ever enjoyed that kind of universal devotion, and perhaps never will.

That makes the recent tension at Liverpool sting all the more.

The Fallout That Followed a Public Rift

A perceived lack of appreciation sparked a very public clash between Salah and Liverpool manager Arne Slot.

Words were exchanged, lines were drawn, and eventually an apology came from Salah.

He was dropped, then reinstated, and Slot insisted the matter was finished.

Officially, it was done. Unofficially, many across Africa aren’t so convinced.

Whispers of Saudi Interest Refuse to Go Away

Here at AFCON, talk of unfinished business lingers.

There’s a sense that the relationship between Salah and Slot is fragile, and Saudi clubs are said to be watching closely.

January feels unlikely, but summer? Plenty believe that could be when things truly come to a head.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is expected to meet Salah’s agent Ramy Abbas during the tournament.

Abbas, famously allergic to phone calls, prefers intense face-to-face conversations. Those meetings matter.

Back Where He Belongs, On the Pitch

For now, though, football has reclaimed centre stage.

On a sun-soaked Monday night in Agadir, Salah started a match for the first time in a month — a rare absence for a player of his durability.

The rust showed at times, but so did the brilliance.

This wasn’t vintage Salah, but it was familiar.

Sharp movement. Clever touches. Moments where you remember he can decide matches on his own.

One Moment, One Goal, One Reminder

Egypt were drifting toward a frustrating draw with Zimbabwe after Omar Marmoush equalised.

Then, right on cue in the 91st minute, Salah did what he has done countless times before — he won the game. Late. Decisive. Inevitable.

Liverpool fans know that feeling well. And with Alexander Isak sidelined for months and Cody Gakpo also unavailable, the Reds could use that version of Salah back sooner rather than later.

Loved, But Never Untouchable

Despite the worship, Salah isn’t immune from criticism at home.

During the last AFCON, he was heavily criticised for returning to Liverpool early with an injury rather than staying with the squad in Ivory Coast.

Expectations in Egypt are brutal — greatness is assumed, not celebrated.

Still, his presence changes everything. In the mixed zone after the Zimbabwe match, the atmosphere shifted the moment he appeared.

Like a global music star passing through a crowd of diehards.

A Smile We Haven’t Seen in a While

Asked for a quick word, Salah smiled and waved it off politely.

“No, no, no — it’s only the first game!” A small moment, but telling.

That smile has been rare lately, and seeing it again felt significant.

As one of the Premier League’s greatest imports, it’s oddly comforting to see him enjoying football again — even if rival fans are savouring Liverpool’s discomfort.

Egypt Closes Ranks Behind Their King

Former Egypt international Hany Ramzy summed up the national mood.

He wants Salah to stay at Liverpool, to leave one day with records intact and respect restored.

But that won’t happen, he believes, until the ice between player and manager melts.

Others are harsher. Egyptian journalists have laid blame squarely at Slot’s door, accusing him of mismanaging the situation and underestimating Salah’s importance.

Pressure in Morocco Could Open the Door

Morocco is football-obsessed, and the pressure on the hosts is immense.

Even petrol stations are being renamed after local heroes.

If that weight becomes too heavy, it could clear a path for Egypt — and Salah — to seize the moment.

Like Lionel Messi with Argentina, Salah often carries his country and waits for the rest to catch up. We know how Messi’s story ended.

One Trophy Still Missing

Salah isn’t thinking about club politics right now. His focus is simple: winning AFCON.

Egypt dominate the tournament’s history, but not in his era. That gap hurts.

Hassan believes this tournament could be the reset Salah needs — just as past national team returns reignited his Liverpool form before.

Two Loves, One Player

Despite everything, don’t doubt Salah’s affection for Liverpool.

His customised shin pads say it all — the Egyptian flag on one leg, a “Welcome to Anfield” sign on the other.

Both matter. Both are home.

It’s been a turbulent month, but under the Agadir lights, Salah reminded everyone why he remains indispensable.

Not flawless. Not perfect. But still the man.

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