Egyptian lawyer announcing a law-suit against Ramos for psychological harm to a nation.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\nEmotions within the Middle East are running high<\/h3>\n
But why is this the case?\u00a0<\/p>\n
Well, if you look at the region’s sporting heroes or icons – they are few and far between.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Where other nations, and regions have sporting\u00a0heroes:\u00a0South America has Lionel Messi, the US has LeBron James, Europe has Roger Federer, India has Virat Kohli, New Zealand has Dan Carter; it was only this year, Mohammed Salah’s star rose to this level – an icon and shining star of the Middle East.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Yes, in each of these examples, there’s plenty of rivalry in the regions – and I’m sure many will have other suggestions and disputes over this list, but everyone is united in their respect for talents, and a feeling of patriotism is inspired by elite players coming from one’s home country.\u00a0<\/p>\n
(It’s also worth noting that\u00a0Saudi Arabia will be up against Egypt in this summer’s World Cup, but KSA is a football-mad nation, the rights to their local league were sold for US$1.8 billion; the EPL was at $5.41 billion.)<\/p>\n
Salah’s rise to glory\u00a0<\/h3>\n
At just 25 years of age, Salah has scored 44 goals this season alone for Liverpool, culminating in the club’s first qualification for the Champions League final since 2009.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He played, and helped Egypt qualify, for the World Cup, and attain victory in the African Nations Cup.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Salah has become a symbol of Egypt, and of the Arabic world. He’s a practicing Muslim, praying, pointing and thanking\u00a0God when celebrating a goal, he does fun interviews, and gives back to charity.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He’s a poster-boy for the Middle East – with Liverpool fans singing positive songs about Islam, embracing and supporting the culture – chanting ‘I’ll be a Muslim too’.<\/p>\n