LONDON: Egyptian football icon and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has sparked a major conversation online after publicly questioning UEFA’s tribute to late Palestinian footballer Suleiman Al-Obaid, who was recently killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.
Al-Obaid, widely known as the “Pele of Palestine,” was reportedly targeted while waiting for humanitarian aid along with other civilians. The 41-year-old former striker had represented the Palestinian national team and was considered one of the country’s all-time greats, having scored more than 100 goals over the course of his career. His death has added yet another tragic chapter to the mounting toll of the conflict in Gaza.
UEFA paid homage to Al-Obaid in a post on their official X (formerly Twitter) account, calling him a "talented player who inspired countless children with hope even in the most difficult circumstances." However, it was Salah’s bold response to that tribute that shifted global attention.
Reposting UEFA’s message, Salah asked directly:
Can you tell us how, where, and why he was killed?
Can you tell us how he died, where, and why? https://t.co/W7HCyVVtBE
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) August 9, 2025
His question, while brief, struck a chord across social media, with millions engaging in the post praising Salah for using his global platform to speak out and demand clarity.
The Liverpool forward’s statement has been seen not only as a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people but also as a challenge to the silence or neutrality often maintained by international institutions. Many on social media interpreted Salah’s post as a call for UEFA to go beyond mere condolences and acknowledge the real circumstances behind the tragedies affecting athletes in war zones.
Salah, who has consistently voiced concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, has previously urged world leaders and organizations to act for peace and justice. His stance has drawn support from fans and activists around the world, particularly those who believe that silence from powerful institutions only fuels ongoing suffering.
In the case of Suleiman Al-Obaid, Salah's post has reignited calls for transparency and accountability not only from UEFA but also from the broader international sports community, which is being urged to address the human cost of conflict, particularly when it affects fellow athletes.
As of now, UEFA has not publicly responded to Salah’s question. But the moment has sparked a wider debate on how sports organizations engage with politically sensitive issues, and what responsibility they hold in moments of global crisis.
