Mohamed Salah, the dynamic forward who has taken the Premier League by storm with Liverpool, has revealed the footballing heroes who shaped his career and inspired him to reach the heights of success.
In a candid interview, Salah named four iconic figures whose influence helped propel him into the ranks of modern footballing greats. Among them were two footballing legends, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo (the Brazilian), alongside his former AS Roma team-mate Francesco Totti, and of course, Cristiano Ronaldo – a player Salah has long admired for his dedication and goalscoring feats.
For a player like Salah, who has become synonymous with relentless attacking play and an innate ability to change the course of a match, it’s fascinating to learn about the figures he looked up to. Salah’s journey from the streets of Egypt to the top of world football has been shaped by these giants, each of whom carved their own legacy in the sport. Now, Salah himself is following in their footsteps, eyeing every major trophy on offer as he aims for a historic swansong with Liverpool.
1. Ronaldo: The Brazilian Phenomenon
There’s no denying the impact that Brazilian Ronaldo – often simply referred to as “O Fenômeno” – had on the world of football. His dazzling dribbles, explosive pace, and clinical finishing made him one of the most feared strikers in history. For Salah, Ronaldo’s unique style of play, full of flair and elegance, left a lasting mark. “I love the way Ronaldo played,” Salah said, reminiscing about the days when the Brazilian’s moves captivated millions around the world. Despite their careers never overlapping, the Egyptian forward has long admired the Brazilian’s ability to turn up in big moments and deliver the kind of performances that defined a generation.
Salah’s own playing style, while unique, certainly carries echoes of Ronaldo’s influence – a deadly combination of speed, technical ability, and instinct in front of goal. It’s no surprise that the Brazilian remains one of Salah’s idols, even though he retired long before the Egyptian made his mark in Europe.
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
2. Zinedine Zidane: The Maestro
When you think of Zinedine Zidane, words like grace, composure, and vision immediately come to mind. The French legend’s ability to control the tempo of a game, create opportunities for his team, and score memorable goals has earned him a place among the best to ever play the game. Salah, who has a similar ability to read the game and create opportunities for others, has always admired Zidane’s effortless elegance on the pitch.
“I loved watching Zidane play,” Salah reflected. Zidane’s technique and intelligence were on another level, and his ability to dictate play in the midfield is something Salah certainly took note of as he grew into a professional. Though their roles on the field are different, Salah’s appreciation for Zidane’s brilliance in a midfield role speaks to his own footballing maturity.
3. Francesco Totti: The Roma Legend
The relationship between Mohamed Salah and Francesco Totti is particularly special. The two players shared the pitch for two seasons at AS Roma, and Salah has frequently spoken about the immense influence Totti had on him during that time. For Salah, playing alongside the Italian icon was a dream come true. Totti, who spent his entire career at Roma, was nearing the end of his playing days when Salah joined the club, but his influence on the young Egyptian was undeniable.
Salah described his time with Totti as “incredible,” praising the Italian’s technical skill and leadership on the field. “He was an incredible player, his technique was insane,” Salah recalled. Totti, who is revered as one of the greatest players to ever wear the Roma shirt, was known for his deft touch, vision, and incredible ability to orchestrate play. For Salah, Totti was a living embodiment of the dedication and artistry that is needed to succeed at the highest level, and their time together in Rome helped shape the player Salah would become.
The respect was mutual. Totti himself praised Salah, recognizing his ability to change the course of a game. He even remarked that Salah had become “a player that changes any game at any time,” a testament to the Egyptian’s rapid rise after making the switch to Liverpool in 2017. Totti, ever the footballing sage, saw the potential in Salah long before the world began to see him as one of the top players in Europe.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo: The Ultimate Professional
While Ronaldo’s legacy is defined by his incredible goal-scoring feats, it’s his dedication to the game and his tireless work ethic that Salah admires most. “Cristiano was also the one when I started playing in Europe more, you see the way he dedicated everything to football is insane, the way he looks after himself,” Salah explained. Cristiano Ronaldo’s transformation into one of the greatest athletes in football history is a direct result of his commitment to being the best, something that Salah himself has long strived for.
For Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t just a player who scores goals. He’s an example of how a relentless work ethic can push you to achieve greatness. Salah has followed in Ronaldo’s footsteps by ensuring his body and mind are prepared for the demands of elite football, and that dedication is evident in the Egyptian’s consistency year after year.
Salah’s Ambitions at Liverpool
With a career already brimming with success, Salah’s ambitions for the future remain as high as ever. “I want to win it all,” he declared in an interview with Liverpool’s official YouTube channel. It’s clear that Salah is not just content with what he has achieved so far, which includes winning the Premier League, Champions League, and several individual awards. He is determined to leave an even greater legacy, and with Liverpool’s squad boasting one of the most talented rosters in Europe, his ambition to win every trophy remains within reach.
“Why don’t we win it?” Salah asked rhetorically, referencing the quality at Liverpool and the fierce mentality that drives them. The club’s success is something Salah is eager to add to, and with his mindset and work ethic, it’s hard to imagine him settling for anything less than the very best. As the 2024-25 season unfolds, Liverpool fans will be hoping that Salah can lead them to even more glory – a fitting tribute to the footballing greats who inspired him along the way.
The Path Ahead: A Glorious Swansong?
As Salah edges closer to what could be his final year at Liverpool, his focus remains razor-sharp. His eyes are firmly set on winning every major title still on offer. Whether that’s a Premier League title, a Champions League crown, or any other prestigious honor, Salah has proven time and again that he’s not one to shy away from a challenge.
Just as Totti, Ronaldo, Zidane, and the other legends inspired him, Salah now stands as an inspiration to a new generation of players. His dedication to the sport, combined with his unmatched skills and relentless pursuit of success, ensures that his place among the all-time greats is well and truly secured.