Mohamed Salah captured the imagination of fans and literature enthusiasts during a notable presence at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024). Reflecting on his exceptional journey, the world football superstar revealed that he attributes an incredible “90% of my success” to the knowledge gained through reading. “Books have played a vital role in shaping me into the person I am today,” he said.
Known for his lightning speed, razor-sharp precision and unwavering determination, Salah explained how literature profoundly influenced his mindset. “My reading journey really began after I left Chelsea,” he recalls. “It made me question the paths to success and what it really takes to achieve greatness.” He passionately urged the audience to foster a culture of learning and discovery, emphasizing the importance of embracing diverse perspectives. Notably, he expressed a deep interest in psychology books, noting that they helped him better manage his relationships and overcome life’s obstacles.
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From humble beginnings in Egypt to the pinnacle of world football, Salah’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. He first honed his craft at Al Mokawloon Al Arab SC before taking his talent to Europe, with significant stops at clubs like Basel, Chelsea, Fiorentina and Roma, eventually rising to star status with Liverpool FC since 2017.
During his presentation, Salah offered a glimpse into his disciplined daily routine, saying: “For ten years, I have been training twice a day, even on vacation. I am constantly challenging myself to do better.” His incessant quest for excellence was a source of motivation for all present.
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In addition to his sporting activities, Salah spoke about the impact of reading on his family life. “I have two daughters, and my wife and I prioritize reading in their education. Our family library is filled with books in Arabic and English, with a particular emphasis on psychology,” he shared. Despite a busy schedule, Salah ensures that reading remains a pillar of his life: “I always take a book with me and I take the time to read before bed.”
Looking to the future, Salah teased an upcoming project: “I’m thinking of writing a biography to inspire younger generations who aspire to follow the path I took.”
His illustrious career is studded with major honors including Premier League titles, UEFA Champions League victories, Golden Boots and the Puskas Award, all highlighting his talent and perseverance. Yet beyond his accolades, Salah’s commitment to personal growth and lifelong learning remains the foundation of his success.
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Salah’s captivating speech at SIBF acted as a powerful reminder of the enlightening power of reading and the endless possibilities for self-improvement.
In addition to his literary activities, Salah received nominations for two prestigious awards: Best Player of the Year and Best Striker at the highly anticipated Dubai Globe Soccer Awards, scheduled for December 27, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, alongside the 19th Dubai International Sports Conference.
He is part of a distinguished group of eight Premier League players nominated, including Cole Palmer, Rodri, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez.
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Elsewhere, the star-studded list includes seven La Liga stars, including Real Madrid trio Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Manchester City’s Rodri, as well as football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Last year, the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards attracted an incredible 70 million votes from over 225 countries, demonstrating its international appeal and reach.
Fans can vote until December 10 at vote.globesoccer.com, with winners determined by a mix of public votes and a Globe Soccer Jury, including soccer icons like Marcello Lippi, Francesco Totti, Iker Casillas and Luis Figo.
Voting for the 15th edition of these highly anticipated awards began last Thursday, with current Player of the Year Haaland set to compete against Mbappe, Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane for the most great honors this year.
