Mohamed Salah stands as one of football’s most electrifying talents, a global icon whose prolific goal-scoring and dazzling performances have captivated audiences worldwide, particularly during his tenure with Liverpool. Yet, despite his unparalleled success at club level, a persistent debate continues to shadow his legacy within African football: the absence of an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. For many, this continental crown remains the crucial, missing piece required to elevate him unequivocally to the pantheon of the continent’s all-time greatest players, a status currently shared with legends like Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, and Yaya Touré.

On the European stage, Salah’s achievements are undeniable and extensive. He has netted over 250 goals for Liverpool, placing him fourth on the Premier League’s all-time goalscorers list, and has secured four English top-flight Golden Boots, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most formidable attackers. Beyond domestic accolades, Salah has lifted the prestigious Champions League trophy and holds the record as the highest-scoring African player in the competition’s history, with three appearances in its showpiece final, illustrating his consistent impact at the sport’s elite club level.

However, his journey with the Egyptian national team tells a different story, marked by tantalizing proximity to continental glory without the ultimate triumph. Egypt, historically the most successful nation in AFCON history with seven titles, has seen Salah lead them to two finals during his decorated career – in 2017 and 2021. On both occasions, the Pharaohs fell short, leaving Salah without the coveted gold medal that many believe would solidify his place as the undisputed “Egyptian King” across the entire continent.

The heartbreak of these defeats is palpable, none more so than the 2021 final, where Egypt succumbed to Senegal in a penalty shootout, with Salah’s then-Liverpool teammate Sadio Mané scoring the decisive spot-kick. His most recent tournament appearance in 2023 was also cut short by injury, forcing his early return to his club after scoring in the opening game. Egypt subsequently exited in the quarter-finals, a further blow that underscored the elusive nature of the AFCON title for their talismanic captain.

This perceived void in his trophy cabinet has attracted pointed commentary from various football pundits. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, for instance, publicly highlighted Salah’s lack of major international honours with Egypt, contrasting it with his immense club success. Such criticisms often fuel the narrative that while Salah excels individually and at club level, his leadership and impact on the national team’s ultimate success in major tournaments still face scrutiny, contributing to the ongoing debate about his overall standing.

Yet, the measure of greatness in African football is complex and not solely defined by the AFCON trophy. Legends like George Weah, the 1995 Ballon d’Or winner, and Didier Drogba, despite leading a “golden generation” Ivory Coast side, never lifted the continental prize themselves. Weah’s Liberia made only two AFCON appearances, both with him in the squad, underscoring his unparalleled influence despite never winning the tournament, a context often overlooked when comparing legacies.

For Salah, the pressure is immense. As captain, he embodies the hopes of a nation of over 100 million people, many of whom view him as their most significant sporting figure. His leadership and presence alone significantly boost Egypt’s chances in any competition. The team, often featuring a blend of emerging talent and seasoned players like Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, benefits from a familiar North African climate when tournaments are hosted in the region, adding another layer of expectation.

While Egypt consistently fields a competitive squad, often facing formidable opponents such as Morocco, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Nigeria, the spotlight inevitably remains on Salah. Securing the Africa Cup of Nations would not only bring immense joy to his country but, crucially, silence the remaining doubts about his continental legacy. It would cement his position as not just one of the best players globally, but as the undisputed king of African football, an achievement that would resonate far beyond individual statistics.

Read Original

Keywords: Mohamed Salah, AFCON, African football legacy, Egypt national team, Liverpool FC, Didier Drogba, Africa Cup of Nations history, Football greatness debate