Mohamed Salah’s recent interview, where he claimed Liverpool “threw him under the bus,” has ignited a significant reaction across Egypt, a nation of approximately 120 million people. The scale of the public outcry in Cairo, a sprawling metropolis of 23 million, underscores the immense national pride and unwavering support for their footballing icon. This sentiment stands in stark contrast to the criticism he faced in some British media circles.

Diaa El-Sayed, a former assistant coach for the Egyptian national team who has known Salah since his teenage years, described the interview as a “revolution” in Egypt. He asserted that “99% of Egypt supports Salah,” a sentiment echoed by many Egyptians who view their star forward as an unofficial leader and a global figure of immense importance.

The controversy erupted after Salah was reportedly left out of the squad for a Champions League trip to Inter Milan and subsequently benched for several games. This situation drew sharp criticism from former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who labeled the interview a “disgrace.” However, in Egypt, the prevailing view is that their national hero can do no wrong.

Noura Essam, a Cairo resident, explained the depth of this loyalty, stating, “Before Salah, no-one supported Liverpool here.” She emphasized that Salah provided Egypt with a global figure to rally behind, solidifying his status as a national treasure and a symbol of pride.

Salah’s influence transcends the football pitch. During the 2018 presidential election, over one million Egyptians reportedly crossed out the names of official candidates to cast a symbolic vote for him. This remarkable act highlights his profound impact on the national consciousness, earning him the affectionate moniker “The Fourth Pyramid.”

At Ramses Square, a significant transport hub in Cairo, cafe-goers who witnessed Salah’s early struggles, including a grueling nine-hour round commute for training as a teenager, expressed disbelief at his recent benching. Osama Ismail, a former Egyptian FA spokesman who worked with Salah, described him as “confident” and firmly believes the forward wishes to continue his career at Liverpool.

Ismail also recounted how, during a past Liverpool match against Inter Milan, the entire nation of Egypt supported the Italian club. This anecdote further illustrates the complex and passionate relationship Egyptians have with their national hero, often prioritizing his interests and well-being above all else, even when it means supporting opposing teams.

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Keywords: Mohamed Salah, Egypt reaction, Liverpool controversy, Egyptian King, Salah interview, Liverpool benching, Egyptian pride, football icon