Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah was warmly welcomed in Cairo after achieving fourth place in the Ballon d’Or rankings. Upon his arrival at Cairo International Airport, Salah was greeted by enthusiastic crowds, including fans, schoolchildren, and supporters waving national flags and chanting his name. The reception highlighted Salah’s esteemed status as he returned to join the national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, following an exceptional season with Liverpool and his best-ever finish in the Ballon d’Or standings.
Salah’s homecoming coincides with Egypt’s crucial World Cup qualifying match against Djibouti on October 8. With Egypt leading Group A with 20 points, a victory in the match would secure their fourth appearance at the FIFA World Cup. Salah is set to resume full training with the national team on Monday upon his return.
The return of Salah holds significance for both the player and the national squad. After playing a pivotal role in Liverpool’s Premier League triumph last season with 34 goals and 23 assists in 52 matches, Salah was named the Premier League Player of the Season. His exceptional performance led to a fourth-place finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings, placing him just behind Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal, and Vitinha, marking his highest position in the history of the prestigious award.
The Egyptian Football Association publicly lauded Salah following the Ballon d’Or announcement, expressing, “You are the best in every language, and one step to the dream,” underscoring the nation’s aspirations for qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
The atmosphere at the airport reflected the widespread anticipation of Salah’s role in the upcoming qualifier. Despite facing challenges in the Premier League this season, notably during Liverpool’s recent loss to Chelsea, Egypt is optimistic that Salah will regain top form to aid in securing their qualification.
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