Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian football superstar, recently spoke out on his social media demanding answers about the tragic death of Suleiman Al-Obeid, a former Palestinian football legend nicknamed « the Pele of Palestine. » According to the Palestinian Football Federation, Al-Obeid was killed by Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip while waiting for humanitarian aid.
Salah sharply criticized UEFA after their tribute to Suleiman Al-Obeid was perceived as too vague. The European football body praised him as « a talent who gave hope to countless children even in the darkest times, » but didn’t specify the exact circumstances of his death, prompting Salah to ask, « Can you tell us how, where, and why did he die? ».
Suleiman Al-Obeid was an iconic figure in Palestinian football, scoring over a hundred career goals and playing many international matches. His tragic death comes amid intense conflict in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is dire. Salah’s questioning highlights the need for clear and transparent recognition of events to honor this sports legend’s memory.
Mohamed Salah’s public stance also stresses the profound impact sports have within political and humanitarian conflicts. Football, as a symbol of hope and unity, is also caught in tragedies linked to geopolitical events. By demanding precise answers, Salah urges the international sports community not to overlook the harsh realities faced by some athletes and their populations.