Football star Mohamed Salah captivated massive crowds at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), sharing his journey from a young dreamer in Egypt to one of the world’s most celebrated players.
At the 43rd edition of SIBF, Salah spoke about how reading has shaped his life and success, saying, “Not just one book, but many have influenced me.”
Salah revealed his love for novels, explaining, “They offer a new perspective on life, educate you, and help you connect with different societies.” He emphasized how reading fosters empathy and broadens one’s understanding of the world.
His reading journey began during his early career, especially when he joined Chelsea in 2014. “I wasn’t doing very well at first. Instead of blaming circumstances, I sought knowledge to understand what successful people did,” Salah shared. He explored topics like psychology and personal growth, using reading as a tool to overcome challenges.
Salah encouraged fans to embrace reading, calling it a source of knowledge and strength. “Culture is knowledge that comes with time,” he said, urging people to learn from others’ experiences.
The event brought together a diverse audience, with fans of all nationalities wearing Salah jerseys and chanting his name. Born in Egypt, Salah’s career began at Al Mokawloon Al Arab SC before his European journey took him to Basel, Chelsea, Fiorentina, Roma, and eventually Liverpool in 2017.
Over the years, Salah has achieved milestones like Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles, PFA Player of the Year awards, Golden Boots, and the Puskas Award, solidifying his place as a global football icon.