From humble beginnings in rural Egypt, Mohamed Salah has risen to a level of football stardom that places him among legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah has played a pivotal role in restoring the club’s glory, earning the title of its highest-paid player. His £55 million contract extension in 2022 was a testament to his value, though recent rumors about a potential move to the Saudi Pro League have once again cast uncertainty over his future.
What makes Salah a force to be reckoned with—at 32 and beyond—is his unwavering commitment to self-improvement. A new biography, Chasing Salah by Simon Hughes, sheds light on the obsessive dedication that has transformed him into one of football’s most formidable players.
The Turning Point
Early in his career, Salah showed promise but lacked the physical presence that could withstand the rigorous demands of elite football. His turning point came during his stint at AS Roma, where he recognized the importance of building strength and stamina to elevate his game. Salah adopted a holistic approach to fitness, focusing not only on football skills but also on sculpting his body for peak athleticism.
Customized Fitness Regime
Salah’s fitness regime is as meticulous as his game plan on the field. His training routine combines:
- Strength Training: Salah incorporates weightlifting and resistance exercises to build muscle, ensuring his body can endure tackles and maintain balance.
- Cardio Workouts: Sprint drills and interval training improve his speed and endurance, making him one of the fastest players in the world.
- Core and Flexibility: Pilates and yoga play a crucial role in enhancing his agility and minimizing injury risks.
Disciplined Nutrition
A key element of Salah’s transformation is his strict diet. Focused on clean eating, he avoids processed foods, opting for lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. His dedication to proper nutrition has become a cornerstone of his elite fitness.
Mental Fortitude
Beyond physical effort, Salah credits his mental resilience as a driving force behind his transformation. He emphasizes mindfulness, self-belief, and a relentless desire to improve, which have propelled him to surpass his limits.
Impact on Performance
The results of Salah’s transformation are evident in his on-field achievements. His lightning-fast sprints, unrelenting stamina, and ability to withstand high-pressure moments have redefined what it means to be a forward in modern football. His commitment to fitness not only inspires his teammates but has also set a benchmark for aspiring athletes.
A Role Model for All
Mohamed Salah’s journey from a promising talent to a global icon is an inspiration for anyone striving for excellence. His story underscores the power of determination, hard work, and the importance of pushing boundaries to achieve greatness.
As Salah continues to shine on football’s grandest stages, his transformation serves as a reminder: greatness is not just born—it’s built through effort, discipline, and an unyielding commitment to self-improvement.
A Desire for More
At Liverpool’s grueling pre-season training camps in France or Austria, manager Jürgen Klopp pushed players to their physical and mental limits. While some questioned the intensity, Salah thrived. Often, he added gym sessions to his three daily training routines, refueling late at night with porridge, walnuts, honey, and raisins to prepare for the next day. His dedication extended to meticulous muscle conditioning, with core workouts designed to enhance agility, balance, and acceleration.
This commitment didn’t start at Anfield. As a teenager at Al-Mokawloon in Egypt, Salah was fast but easily outmuscled. Frustrated, he looked to Cristiano Ronaldo’s physique as inspiration, realizing he needed to strengthen his body to succeed abroad. His fitness journey accelerated at Chelsea, where the gym became an outlet during a tough spell of limited game time.
Building the Ultimate Athlete
Salah’s approach to fitness is multifaceted:
- Pilates and Yoga: These practices improved his core strength, posture, and stability while promoting mental calmness.
- Meditation and Visualization: Salah begins each morning visualizing himself scoring goals, a technique inspired by Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. This mental preparation has made him more composed in front of goal.
- Nutrition and Recovery: Despite being told he could eat anything due to his low body fat, Salah carefully manages his diet. Even during Ramadan, he trained and refueled at unconventional hours to maintain peak performance.
An Unrelenting Obsession
Salah’s commitment extends beyond the physical. On away trips, he often retreats to his hotel room to read self-help books or scriptures, drawing inspiration from both. His house is filled with fitness equipment, reflecting his drive to maintain an edge over competitors.
The Impact on Liverpool
Salah’s dedication has reaped extraordinary results for Liverpool. His iconic celebrations, including his shirtless goal celebrations that highlight his six-pack, are a symbol of his hard work. Klopp acknowledged Salah’s importance, stating, “I have no doubt Mo’s best years are still to come.”
Even as Salah’s future remains uncertain, his pursuit of excellence continues. From rewatching his performances during U.S. pre-season tours to constantly refining his game, Salah proves that greatness isn’t achieved by talent alone—it’s built through relentless effort, discipline, and an unyielding desire to improve.
