Mohamed Salah: Time to Embrace the Living-Legend Leadership at Liverpool

Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian King, has etched his name into the annals of Liverpool Football Club’s storied history. Since arriving at Anfield in 2017, Salah has transformed from a prolific winger into a global football icon, a cultural architect, and a leader whose influence transcends the pitch. As Liverpool navigates a new era under head coach Arne Slot, it’s time to fully embrace Salah’s role as a living legend and the heartbeat of the club’s leadership structure. His contributions, both on and off the field, make a compelling case for recognizing him as the cornerstone of Liverpool’s present and future ambitions.

A Record-Breaking Legacy

Salah’s statistical dominance is staggering. With 245 goals across all competitions by the end of the 2024-25 season, he sits third on Liverpool’s all-time top scorers list, a remarkable feat for a player who primarily operates as a winger. His 186 Premier League goals have made him the highest-scoring foreign player in the competition’s history, surpassing legends like Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo. Only four English players rank ahead of him on the all-time scorers list, a testament to his consistency and lethality. In the 2024-25 campaign alone, Salah notched 34 goals and provided 13 assists, earning him the Premier League Player of the Season and FWA Footballer of the Year awards. His inclusion in the 2025 Ballon d’Or 30-man shortlist alongside teammates Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, and Florian Wirtz further cements his elite status.

Beyond the numbers, Salah’s impact is felt in the moments that define Liverpool’s modern era. His contributions to the 2019 Champions League triumph and the 2020 Premier League title—ending a 30-year wait for the club—have immortalized him among Anfield’s faithful. The 2025-26 season, which saw Liverpool crowned champions again, was a personal triumph for Salah, who described the joy of winning the title in front of fans at Anfield as unparalleled. “After winning the Premier League last year, there is no dopamine that will come to my body like that time!” he said, reflecting on the emotional weight of celebrating with supporters after the COVID-19-marred 2020 title.

Leadership Beyond Goals

Salah’s leadership extends far beyond his goal-scoring prowess. With Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure and Andy Robertson’s potential exit, Salah has emerged as the leading candidate for Liverpool’s vice-captaincy, a role that would formalize his influence within the squad. Reports suggest new manager Arne Slot has already chosen Salah as his deputy to captain Virgil van Dijk, a decision backed by Salah’s steady presence, professionalism, and ability to inspire teammates. His quiet leadership, often understated, commands immense respect at Anfield. As teammate Andy Robertson noted, Salah’s dedication in training has a ripple effect: “I have seen so many players come in and all of a sudden they’re in the gym early before training, and that’s because of him.”

Salah’s role as a cultural architect is equally significant. His endorsement of Slot’s coaching philosophy—marked by direct communication and honest feedback—has helped smooth the transition from Jürgen Klopp’s era. Salah recounted a moment during pre-season when Slot critiqued his warm-up routine, emphasizing the importance of setting an example for younger players. This interaction underscores Salah’s willingness to embrace accountability, a trait that resonates with both veterans and new signings like Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Florian Wirtz. His influence fosters a culture of excellence, setting standards that will shape Liverpool’s future long after he retires.

Navigating Uncertainty

Despite his monumental contributions, Salah’s future at Liverpool has been a subject of intense speculation. With his contract set to expire in June 2025, rumors of a move to Saudi Arabia, particularly Al-Hilal, have persisted. Reports indicate that Al-Hilal representatives were in London in January 2025, working on a pre-agreement for Salah’s transfer. The Saudi Pro League’s interest, voiced by officials like Mohammed Basrawi, highlights Salah’s appeal in the Arab world. However, Salah’s recent contract extension until 2027 signals his commitment to Liverpool, driven by a belief in the club’s potential to compete for top honors. “I signed a new deal because I believe we can win,” he stated, emphasizing his hunger for more silverware.

The uncertainty surrounding Salah’s future has not distracted him from his on-field duties. Even during the 2024-25 season, when contract talks stalled, he maintained an exceptional output, leading the Premier League with 17 goals and 13 assists. His ability to perform under pressure—both from transfer rumors and the expectations of a title-winning squad—demonstrates the mental fortitude that defines his leadership.

A Standard-Bearer for Liverpool

Salah’s partnership with Virgil van Dijk has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success. Together for nearly eight years, the duo has been talismanic at opposite ends of the pitch, guiding the Reds to multiple titles. Van Dijk, the club’s captain, praised their shared ambition: “You want to leave a legacy behind, you want to be remembered, you want to inspire the next generation.” Salah echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the joy of playing without the burdens of external pressure. “Sometimes we forget the joy of the game,” he said, advocating for a mindset that prioritizes passion over social media scrutiny.

Their leadership has been particularly vital during Liverpool’s transitional phase under Slot. The arrivals of young talents like Wirtz and Ekitike have added dynamism, but Salah and Van Dijk remain the squad’s standard-bearers. Their experience and professionalism help integrate new players, ensuring Liverpool remains competitive. As Van Dijk noted, “There’s a lot more coming than just playing football, being part of Liverpool. That’s what we are also for, we have to be there for the guys.”

Challenges and Expectations

Salah’s journey has not been without challenges. His lackluster performance in the 2025 Community Shield against Crystal Palace, where he failed to complete a dribble or cross, raised concerns about his form. However, such moments are outliers in an otherwise remarkable career. His ability to bounce back, as evidenced by his stellar 2024-25 season, underscores his resilience. Additionally, his absence during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from December 2025 to January 2026 poses a challenge, with Slot planning to deploy Jeremie Frimpong as a replacement on the right wing. This strategic flexibility highlights Liverpool’s depth but also underscores Salah’s irreplaceable presence.

Off the pitch, Salah’s leadership extends to social advocacy. His vocal support for Gaza and his criticism of UEFA over their tribute to the late Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obeid demonstrate his willingness to address broader issues, earning praise from figures like Jeremy Corbyn. These actions enhance his stature as a role model, particularly in the Arab world, where he is celebrated as one of Africa’s greatest football icons.

The Road Ahead

As Liverpool prepares for the 2025-26 season, Salah’s leadership will be pivotal. His contract extension provides stability, allowing him to focus on delivering more trophies. His ambition to “compete for every trophy” aligns with Liverpool’s ethos, and his synergy with Slot’s vision positions the club for sustained success. Whether it’s mentoring young players, inspiring teammates, or breaking more records, Salah’s legacy is far from complete.

In conclusion, Mohamed Salah is more than a goal-scoring machine; he is a living legend whose leadership defines Liverpool’s identity. His professionalism, resilience, and cultural impact make him the ideal figure to guide the Reds through their next chapter. As Anfield embraces this era, Salah’s role as a leader—both on and off the pitch—will ensure his legacy endures, inspiring generations to come.