From a small town in Egypt to global football stardom, Mohamed Salah has become a national hero, much like Lionel Messi for Argentina or Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal. Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah has been instrumental in reviving the club’s glory days.
His stellar performances earned him a record-breaking £55 million contract extension in 2022, making him Liverpool’s highest-paid player. However, with speculation about a move to the Saudi Pro League, Salah’s future remains a hot topic.
A recently released biography sheds light on Salah’s relentless drive for self-improvement, which keeps him performing at the top level even at 32. His commitment to fitness, mental strength, and technical skills has made him a legend both on and off the pitch.
Klopp’s Intense Training Camps and Salah’s Extra Work
During Liverpool’s pre-season training, manager Jürgen Klopp pushed the team to their physical and mental limits. These camps, held in France or Austria, were grueling, but Salah went even further. He consistently added gym sessions before and after team practices, staying up past midnight to refuel his body with porridge, walnuts, honey, and raisins.
Salah’s hard work didn’t go unnoticed. Fitness staff praised his unwavering commitment, noting that he focused on building abdominal strength to enhance his agility, speed, and power. He trained to jump higher, turn faster, and land safely—all skills that contributed to his unstoppable form.
From a Skinny Teen to a Physical Powerhouse
Salah’s dedication to fitness began during his teenage years in Egypt when he played for Al-Mokawloon. Although naturally fast, he struggled against stronger opponents.
Inspired by players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Salah realized he needed to bulk up to succeed internationally. His transformation truly began at Chelsea, where he turned to weight training after seeing the physical stature of his teammates. Regular gym sessions became his outlet during challenging times when he wasn’t getting game time.
At Liverpool, Salah introduced new elements like Pilates to improve core strength, endurance, and posture. Even during Ramadan, he maintained intense workout routines, beginning sessions as early as 2:40 am.
A Holistic Approach to Fitness
Salah’s dedication extends beyond the physical. He practices meditation and yoga, which help him stay calm and focused. His famous “tree pose” celebration after a stunning goal against Chelsea in 2019 symbolized his commitment to mental strength.
He also incorporates visualization techniques inspired by Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. Each morning, Salah spends 15 minutes imagining himself scoring goals, a practice he credits for his composure on the pitch.
A Role Model for Self-Improvement
A Liverpool teammate described Salah’s commitment to self-improvement as “obsessive.” Whether reading self-help books or turning to scripture, Salah constantly seeks ways to better himself. His journey is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, and resilience.
The Legacy of a Legend
In 2022, Liverpool secured Salah’s services with a historic £350,000-a-week contract, solidifying his status as the club’s highest-paid player. Klopp, relieved the deal was finalized, expressed confidence that Salah’s best years were still ahead.
Even during Liverpool’s recent US tour, Salah spent his downtime reviewing match footage to identify areas for improvement. His quest for greatness shows no signs of slowing down.
This incredible journey of Mohamed Salah is detailed in Chasing Salah: The Biography by Simon Hughes, now available in stores.
