Ice baths, almond milk, meditation and a ‘house like a hospital’: The secrets of Salah’s success
Ice baths almond milk meditation – When Mohamed Salah announced his departure from Liverpool at the end of the 2022-23 season, former Reds manager Jürgen Klopp praised him as “one of the all-time greats.” Managing Salah for five seasons at Anfield, Klopp witnessed the Egyptian’s meteoric rise, during which he netted 156 goals and claimed major trophies, including the Champions League, Premier League, three domestic cups, the Super Cup, and the Club World Cup. Salah’s brilliance on the pitch is undeniable, but his global appeal extends far beyond the footballing world. His journey has become a symbol of perseverance and passion, resonating with millions across Africa, Europe, and the Arab world, where he is celebrated not just as a player, but as an icon of ambition and resilience.
A Journey from the Nile to the Premier League
Salah’s path to success began in Nagrig, a secluded village in Egypt’s Beheira Governorate. As a teenager, he endured a grueling routine, commuting nine hours each day by bus to train in Cairo with Al Mokawloon Al Arab. This arduous commitment to development laid the groundwork for his future achievements. Though his early career was marked by challenges, a pivotal moment in his journey came when he found himself sidelined for months. “I was on the bench for two months,” he shared with Sports Illustrated. “I told my father, ‘I can’t go… every day and be on the bench.’ I was crying. He said, ‘Listen, everyone who became a big name after a long time, he suffered a lot [first]. It’s not going to be easy. Just keep focused, train hard and I’m sure you will play again and be great.’ That’s a moment that I still remember… After a short period, I started playing again – and everything has worked out.”
The Road to European Recognition
Despite his early struggles, Salah’s talents eventually caught the attention of European scouts. His breakthrough came with Basel, where he joined their squad in 2013. There, he declared to Egyptian television’s Kol Youm programme: “From the first day I left Egypt for Basel’s assessment, I told myself I had to become a different player. I wanted to do a great achievement, to attract attention, and to become a player people love and follow.” However, success in Europe wasn’t immediate. After a brief stint with Basel, he moved to Chelsea, where he faced limited opportunities. Determined to revive his career, Salah transferred to Italy, playing for Fiorentina and Roma from 2015 to 2017. It was only upon returning to England with Liverpool that his career truly took off.
A Man of Discipline and Dedication
Salah’s rise to prominence is as much about his mindset as his skills. He is known for his rigorous training regimen, which includes ice baths, meditation, and a strict diet of almond milk. These practices reflect his belief in the power of discipline to fuel both physical and mental excellence. “I’m trying to improve myself every day,” he told BBC Sport in his first season at Anfield. “I always like to put myself under pressure to improve more. I give all my life to football. I only think about football. This is what is on my mind all the time.” His commitment to self-perfection is evident in his ability to maintain peak performance over the years, despite the physical toll of elite competition.
The Soundtrack of Success
Salah’s influence on fans has transcended the sport itself, inspiring music and chants that echo his name. During his 2017–18 season, a new melody emerged on the Kop stand at Anfield: “Mo Salah, Mo Salah, Mo Salah, running down the wing, Salah, la-la, la-la, the Egyptian king!” This chant, set to the tune of James’s “Sit Down,” highlights the admiration he has garnered. Interestingly, the band that wrote “Sit Down” hails from Manchester, a city that competes with Liverpool in both football and music. Tim Booth, the lead singer, admitted: “We’ve been precious with Sit Down. We know it means a lot to people and we’ve stopped a lot of adverts or people using it in ways that we felt might denigrate it. But one of the greatest footballers in the world can have it. When he’s playing such beautiful football, it’s a pleasure.”
Britpop and the Fan Culture
Salah’s impact was further amplified by the creative energy of UK fans, who reimagined his name in a unique way. The London band Dodgy’s hit “Good Enough” became the foundation for another terrace chant, one that Salah himself refers to as “something special.” The lyrics, “If he’s good enough for you, he’s good enough for me… If he scores another few, then I’ll be Muslim too,” reflect the deep connection between his identity as an Egyptian Muslim and his growing popularity. This fusion of music and football underscores how Salah has become a cultural phenomenon, bridging sports and entertainment in ways that few athletes achieve.
The Physics of a Champion
Salah’s physical attributes are as remarkable as his technical skills. According to Opta statistics, he holds the record for the fastest speed in Premier League history, reaching a top velocity of 36.64 km/h in 2021. This agility is central to his playing style, which defies traditional roles. As an “inverted winger,” he often starts on the right flank but quickly cuts inside, using a combination of body feints and explosive acceleration to bypass defenders. His left-footed shooting adds a finishing touch to his mesmerizing runs, making him a threat from multiple angles. This unique blend of speed, intelligence, and creativity has solidified his reputation as one of the most versatile forwards in the modern game.
Even as Salah prepares to leave Liverpool, his legacy remains firmly etched in the club’s history. Nine years after his debut, he has delivered a legacy of trophies, milestones, and inspiration. His original ambition—“to become a player people love”—has been fulfilled in ways that few could have imagined. From the dusty streets of Nagrig to the glittering stadiums of Europe, Salah’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the ability to transform personal sacrifice into collective triumph. His story continues to captivate fans, not just for his footballing prowess, but for the enduring hope and resilience he embodies.
As he bids farewell to Anfield, Salah leaves behind a legacy that is as much about the heart of a player as the trophies he won. His fans, spanning continents, will remember him not only for the goals he scored or the accolades he earned, but for the way he inspired them to believe in the possibilities of hard work and belief. Whether through the chants that now echo his name or the discipline he maintains in his daily routine, Salah has proven that success is not just about talent, but about the unwavering pursuit of excellence. His story is a reminder that the journey to greatness is rarely straightforward, but with passion and persistence, even the most arduous paths can lead to extraordinary achievements.
