Silent Rivalry: Mahrez Ignores Salah in Bombshell Interview | OneFootball

Algerian star sparks controversy by snubbing Egypt’s Mohamed Salah throughout lengthy TV appearance

Silent Rivalry: Mahrez Ignores Salah in Bombshell Interview

In revealing one hour interview with CARRE TV, Riyad Mahrez opened up about his incredible football journey from humble beginnings to continental & European triumphs.

But the most striking takeaway wasn’t what Mahrez said it was who he left out.

Salah's Name Missing - Again

Despite discussing legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema, the Al Ahli Saudi winger made no mention whatsoever of Mohamed Salah, his longtime African rival.

The deliberate omission didn’t go unnoticed and has reignited speculation about the frosty dynamics between 2 superstars.

Tension Escalates from Media to Pitch

The apparent media silence seems to echo Salah’s recent interview with Ballon d’or where he too excluded Mahrez when asked about the greatest African player he had seen.

Salah praised Didier Drogba & George Weah but made no reference to Mahrez one of Africa’s most decorated players of the past decade.

Calculated Silence?

Observers now suggest that Mahrez’s total avoidance of Salah’s name was not coincidental. Whether discussing his golden era at Man City, his status among African legends or even the Saudi Pro League project, the Algerian winger never once acknowledged Salah's influence or rivalry even in contexts where it seemed almost unavoidable.

A Tactical Media Move?

Some insiders wonder whether Mahrez'd requested that Salah’s name not be raised during the broadcast an unlikely but not impossible move.

Whatever the case, the interview sends clear message: Mahrez chose to respond to Salah’s earlier snub with one of his own, colder and more complete.