National setbacks and cautious stance, why Mohamed Salah divides opinion in Egypt | OneFootball

Mohamed Salah remains a divisive figure in Egypt despite an extraordinary career for the national team. L'Équipe notes in its documentary Drame en barrages that the forward’s international record continues to shape opinion at home.

Now 33, he has 114 caps and 66 goals but has never won the Africa Cup of Nations. He has played one World Cup, in 2018, with Egypt already qualified for the 2026 edition.

The film revisits Egypt’s 2022 World Cup play-off defeat by Senegal. In an intense tie coloured by the rivalry between Salah and Sadio Mané, the Pharaohs fell on penalties.

Salah missed in the shootout during a match marred by laser controversy, and at home he is often seen as the face of that failure. One contributor argues that, while his European feats may never be matched by an Egyptian player, the side is remembered as a losing generation.

The piece also highlights his cautious public stance, contrasting it with Mohamed Aboutrika’s long-standing activism for Palestine. Aboutrika won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2006 and 2008 and, as an Al Ahly great, lifted 22 trophies including 5 CAF Champions Leagues. After scoring against Sudan in 2008, he revealed a T-shirt expressing solidarity with Gaza.

Source: L'Équipe