Mohamed Salah Questions UEFA Over Tribute to Late Palestinian Football Legend Suleiman Al-Obeid

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has publicly challenged UEFA over their tribute to late Palestinian football legend Suleiman Al-Obeid, asking the European football body to reveal the circumstances surrounding his death.

In a social media post on Saturday, UEFA described Al-Obeid — often referred to as the “Palestinian Pelé” — as a legendary figure in Palestinian football. But Salah, the first high-profile player to speak out, responded on Instagram:

“Can you tell us how he died. Where and why.”

His comment quickly drew global attention, with fans and human rights advocates praising his willingness to question the narrative.

Al-Obeid, who was 41, played as a forward for clubs in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and the Palestinian national team. According to reports, he died in southern Gaza while seeking aid for himself and his family amid ongoing conflict.

Salah’s post not only highlighted the footballer’s death but also called for transparency, pushing UEFA to go beyond symbolic condolences and shed light on the conditions leading to the tragedy.

Opinion:
Salah’s question cuts to the heart of an uncomfortable truth: in conflict zones, the deaths of athletes, artists, and everyday people often get reduced to brief tributes that gloss over the harsh realities. By asking “Where and why,” Salah is using his platform not just to honour a fellow footballer, but to demand accountability.

It’s a reminder that sports and politics, whether we like it or not, are deeply intertwined. A game may end at the final whistle, but for many, the struggle continues long after the stadium lights go out. And sometimes, the most powerful statement isn’t a speech — it’s a simple question that forces the world to look deeper.