When Liverpool kicked off their new season, emotions were always going to run high.
The loss of Diogo Jota, who played such a vital role in delivering the club’s 20th league title, had left a deep wound.
Adding to the tragedy, his brother Andre Silva also passed away, leaving fans and players struggling to process the heartbreak.
For Mohamed Salah, the moment became overwhelming.
After scoring in a 4-2 win against Bournemouth and honoring Jota with his signature “Baby Shark” celebration, the real flood of emotion came after the final whistle.
Standing in front of The Kop, Salah could no longer hold back his tears.
Remembering Jota in Front of The Kop
In a heartfelt conversation on the Men In Blazers podcast, Salah admitted he hadn’t expected such a breakdown.
“Usually, I clap to thank the fans after the game,” he said.
“But when I stood in front of The Kop and heard them singing for Diogo, my emotions just took over.
I was thinking about him, and then I saw the fans showing their feelings too… that’s when I broke down.”
The Egyptian forward had been close to Jota, and his Instagram tribute after the tragic accident had already struck a chord with fans.
But this moment on the pitch was raw, unplanned, and deeply human.
Salah’s New Role as a Leader
Now one of the longest-serving players at Liverpool, Salah has naturally stepped into a leadership role.
Eight years have flown by, and he’s now part of the senior group guiding younger players through the pressures of top-level football.
One of those youngsters is Rio Ngumoha, the 17-year-old who recently made headlines by becoming the youngest scorer in Liverpool’s history with a stunning winner against Newcastle.
Salah, recognizing both the potential and the pressure on Ngumoha, made sure to pull him aside after the game.
Advice to the Young Star
Salah’s guidance was simple but powerful: avoid the noise.
“I told him, just leave social media alone,” he shared.
“Celebrate with your family, enjoy the moment—but don’t look for validation outside, because it’s never real. If you chase that feeling, it will never be enough.”
He warned about the dangers of peaking too early and losing focus.
“He has so much ahead of him,” Salah continued.
“What matters is staying humble, working hard, and surrounding yourself with the right people.
Thankfully, he has a good group here, and even the manager speaks to him often. That support is key.”
Building New Connections on the Pitch
Some fans have noted that Salah hasn’t quite exploded into the new season with his usual fire, but context is everything.
Liverpool’s attacking line has been reshaped, and he’s still learning to link up with new teammates like Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, and Aleksander Isak.
“With Diogo or Darwin, I knew their game inside out,” Salah explained.
“I knew where to find them. With Hugo, it’s different. We’re still figuring each other out, whether it’s where he wants the ball or when to run into space.
But we’re working on it in training, watching videos, and I’m confident it will click soon.”
What Lies Ahead
Salah’s honesty shows not only his vulnerability but also his maturity.
He’s carrying the responsibility of honoring a lost teammate, supporting the next generation, and adjusting to a new attacking system—all at once.
For Liverpool fans, his emotional moment at Anfield was a reminder that behind the goals and glory, their talisman is still deeply human.
And for Salah, the journey ahead looks set to be one of leadership, mentorship, and adapting his game to keep Liverpool at the top.