Mohamed Salah: Champions League Final Was a Deep Wound... I Dream of the Africa Cup and the World Cup

Mohamed Salah opens up about his emotions after losing the Champions League final twice, affirming: "I don't give up… I dream of the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup."

محمد صلاح يتحدث عن طموحاته مع ليفربول ومنتخب مصر

Published Date: 2025-05-10 15:08:23 Updated At: 2025-05-10 15:08:23

Mohamed Salah, Liverpool star and captain of the Egyptian national team, opened up in a candid and powerful interview with France Football magazine. He spoke with honesty and vulnerability about some of the toughest moments in his football journey — notably, his painful defeats to Real Madrid in two UEFA Champions League finals. Yet, he emphasized that while he fell on the pitch, he never fell within; instead, he emerged from those losses stronger and more determined than ever.


Salah: “I Learned from Defeats… Disappointment Doesn’t Last in My Heart”


Salah stated:
“Losing the Champions League final twice was undeniably frustrating, but it’s part of the game. You have to accept defeat the same way you celebrate victory. That’s the logic of football. Once you understand that truth, you become more balanced, recover faster from setbacks, and return to fight even harder.”


He continued:
“In 2018, I had to leave the final against Real Madrid injured — my shoulder was torn after a harsh tackle by Sergio Ramos. It wasn’t easy — physically or emotionally — because I had dreamed of lifting the trophy that night. In 2022, we faced a legendary goalkeeper like Courtois, who stopped nine clear chances. You can't always have your day — and that’s natural.”


“Liverpool Built an Unbreakable Spirit in Me”


The Egyptian King added:
“Since joining Liverpool in 2017, I’ve been living a dream. Alongside Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino, we formed a terrifying attacking trio for any defense. Our harmony wasn’t just on the field — it extended off it as well. That played a huge role in creating a legendary team that will forever be remembered by the fans.”


He went on:
“I’ve always had a competitive spirit, but Liverpool brought it out in a whole new way. The motto ‘Never Give Up’ isn’t just words here — it’s a way of life. This principle became ingrained in me — it’s part of my DNA now. I’ve learned that breaking down doesn’t mean the end; it means a new, stronger beginning.”


Salah Looks Ahead: “Next Season Is the Challenge of a Lifetime”


Speaking about the future, Salah shared:
“I’m unbelievably excited for the next season. Huge challenges await. We want to defend the Premier League title and strongly aim to return to the Champions League podium. And I’ll never forget my biggest dream — to win the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt and qualify for the World Cup. My ambition has never — and will never — stop. I want to win everything, because I simply accept nothing less than the top.”


Arne Slot and a New Mission for Salah


Salah concluded:
“Arne Slot, our new manager, spoke to me at the start of pre-season. He told me he wants me to be a role model for the rest of the players. I looked him in the eye and confidently said: ‘Don’t worry, I’ll do whatever it takes.’ The responsibility is huge, but I’m ready for it. This is not just football for me — it’s passion, identity, a message I live by every day.”


Salah speaks like a true leader — a man with a heart that doesn’t break and eyes that see nothing but gold. His words come from experience, a mind that has learned from pain, and a body that refuses to stop running. Every time he falls, he rises stronger. Every defeat plants the seed for his next triumph.


Because true leaders aren’t forged in moments of victory, but in times of heartbreak — Mohamed Salah is a special kind of captain. He doesn’t just raise the flag of his country; he carries a story of struggle and a lesson for anyone who believes that giving up is not an option.