Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah has publicly called out UEFA over their statement following the death of the “Palestinian Pele”. 💔⚽
Mohamed Salah Slams UEFA Over ‘Palestinian Pelé’ Tribute After Omitting Critical Details
In an emotionally charged moment that has resonated across the footballing world, Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah publicly called out UEFA for their incomplete tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid—fondly remembered as the “Palestinian Pelé”—prompting a wave of reaction and reflection.
A Tribute that Fell Short of the Truth
UEFA paid tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid on X (formerly Twitter), honoring him as “a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.” However, the tribute notably omitted key details: where, how, and why he died. The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) had announced that al-Obeid, age 41, was killed in an Israeli strike while waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza—a humanitarian tragedy underlined by an ongoing and devastating conflict .
Salah’s Bold Response
Taking to his social media platform with his massive following, Salah challenged UEFA’s silence unflinchingly:
> “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”
It was a rare public rebuke from Salah—known for his humility and global influence—prompting widespread acclaim from fans, pundits, and fellow players alike. His call for transparency was not without consequence; fans praised the stand as courageous, especially given its political sensitivity .
The Backdrop: A Broader Humanitarian Crisis
Salah’s comment echoes his longer-standing public advocacy for humanitarian aid to Gaza. The conflict has claimed the lives of hundreds of athletes and civilians, including over 321 football-affiliated individuals . Al-Obeid’s death represents a tragedy that transcends sport, illustrating the dangerous intersection of conflict and daily life. By demanding clarity from UEFA, Salah emphasized the importance of remembering not just a sporting figure, but the manner in which such figures—and civilians more broadly—are impacted by violence.
The Silence from UEFA
Despite Salah’s pointed question, UEFA has not issued any public response to his query—a silence that has been widely interpreted as avoidance and has further intensified calls for accountability .
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Final Thoughts
Salah’s demand was simple, yet profound: a reminder that public tributes should include honesty, not only admiration. His message—“Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”—serves as a powerful moment of clarity in a world where the truths of suffering often go unspoken.
This isn’t just about sport. It’s a moment where a football superstar opted to honor humanity, truth, and remembrance. At a time when silence can speak volumes, Salah chose to speak up.
