⭐ Mohamed Salah Returns to Cairo to a Hero’s Welcome
Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, Liverpool forward and national team captain, received a hero’s welcome upon arriving at Cairo International Airport to join Egypt’s training camp ahead of the final stages of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Large crowds of Egyptian fans gathered early outside the airport gates, waving flags and carrying pictures of Salah, in an emotional scene that reflected his immense popularity back home. Hundreds of school students also participated in the welcome, as part of a government initiative aimed at supporting national athletes and fostering patriotism among the youth.

🏆 Salah Overcomes Ballon d’Or Disappointment with Fan Support
Despite joining the camp following the disappointment of missing out on the 2025 Ballon d’Or, Salah appeared in high spirits, thanks to the overwhelming support he received at home. It was clear that his stature among Egyptians transcends individual awards.
According to global sports network Flashscore, Salah was greeted like a national hero, even though he didn’t clinch the Ballon d’Or, awarded by France Football magazine. The 33-year-old ranked 4th in the voting behind Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, and Vitinha — the highest ranking of his career in the award’s history.

🔢 Salah’s 2024–2025 season with Liverpool:

🥅 Goals: 34

🎯 Assists: 23

🏆 Titles: English Premier League Champion

🏅 Individual Awards: Premier League Player of the Season, Top Scorer, Best African Player in Europe

These impressive numbers have prompted many analysts to question the final Ballon d’Or rankings, especially given Salah’s leading role in guiding Liverpool through one of their strongest campaigns in recent years.

🏟️ Egypt on the Brink of World Cup Qualification
Egypt continues its intense preparations at its training camp in Morocco, where they are set to face Djibouti on Wednesday in a crucial second-to-last match in Group A of the African qualifiers.
The Pharaohs currently top the group with 20 points, five ahead of Burkina Faso in second. A victory against Djibouti would secure their qualification for the 2026 World Cup with one match to spare.

🔍 Egypt’s remaining fixtures:

🇩🇯 Egypt vs Djibouti – October 8 – Morocco

🇬🇼 Egypt vs Guinea-Bissau – October 12 – Cairo

Coach Hossam Hassan and his staff hope to seal qualification early, allowing time to focus on fine-tuning tactics and preparing for the tournament itself.

⚽ Salah’s Renewed International Ambition
Having previously led Egypt to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Salah now aims to repeat that feat, particularly as he enters a phase of his career defined by maturity, experience, and leadership.
This World Cup is seen as a golden opportunity for Salah to close out his international career on a high note, inspiring a new generation of Egyptian players to reach the global stage. Sources inside the camp emphasize his vital leadership role — both on and off the pitch — in motivating younger teammates and supporting the coaching staff.

🌍 Global Media Highlights Salah’s Popularity in Egypt
India’s India Today newspaper reported extensively on Salah’s arrival, describing the scene as a “national reception,” with crowds flocking to the airport to welcome the star. The report emphasized Salah’s symbolic status, not just as a footballer, but as a cultural and inspirational figure for millions across the Arab world.
The newspaper added that schoolchildren waved national flags and chanted “Salah! Salah!” as he exited the terminal, highlighting his continued influence as a role model for youth, thanks to his professionalism, humility, and success abroad.

✨ A New Chapter in the Pharaoh’s Story
After a demanding season with Liverpool and a strong start to the qualifiers, Salah looks set to write a new chapter in his international legacy, with a second World Cup appearance within reach.
Egyptian fans are hopeful that World Cup 2026 won’t just mark a return to the global stage but might also witness the team — under Salah’s leadership — achieving unprecedented success and advancing deeper into the tournament.