Mohamed Salah Calls Out UEFA Over Omission in Tribute to ‘Palestinian Pele’
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has publicly challenged UEFA after the European football governing body posted a tribute to late Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obeid – widely known as the ‘Palestinian Pele’ – without mentioning the cause of his death.
Obeid, aged 41, was a beloved figure in Palestinian football, remembered for his exceptional talent and his ability to inspire children even in the midst of hardship. According to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), he died on Wednesday after Israeli forces targeted the southern Gaza Strip.
In its post on X, UEFA wrote:
“Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pele’. A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.”
While many took the message as a fitting tribute, Salah was quick to point out the omission of key details. The Egyptian forward quote-tweeted UEFA’s post with a sharp question:
“Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”
His words have since sparked intense debate online, with many praising his courage to speak out, while others questioned whether sports bodies should wade into politically sensitive territory.
Obeid, who leaves behind his wife and five children, was more than just a footballer – he was a symbol of resilience and pride for Palestinians. His death, like his life, has now become a talking point about the role of sports institutions in acknowledging uncomfortable truths.
Opinion:
UEFA’s decision to omit the circumstances of Obeid’s death might have been aimed at keeping the tribute “neutral,” but sometimes, neutrality can feel like silence. Football is not just a game played on a pitch – it is deeply woven into the social and political fabric of the world. Icons like Obeid don’t just inspire with goals and skills; they carry the weight of their people’s stories. By glossing over the reality, UEFA missed an opportunity to use its platform for honesty and humanity.
Salah’s question is more than just a call for facts – it’s a reminder that even in sport, truth matters. After all, if we can celebrate the beauty of someone’s life, should we not also acknowledge the truth of their passing?
