Liverpool and Egypt superstar Mohamed Salah has drawn sharp criticism towards the European football governing body UEFA for a tribute to Palestinian football legend Suleiman al-Obeid, who was recently killed in Gaza, without mentioning the circumstances of his death.
Suleiman al-Obeid, 41, widely known as the “Palestinian Pelé” for his outstanding football skills, was killed last Wednesday during an Israeli attack on civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza. The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) confirmed that al-Obeid was among those targeted near an aid distribution centre amid the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.
UEFA posted a tribute on social media, calling al-Obeid “a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.” However, the tribute made no mention of how or where he died.
In response, Mohamed Salah, a vocal supporter of Gaza amid the conflict, publicly questioned UEFA’s silence, replying to their post: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” Salah’s pointed question highlighted frustration over the lack of acknowledgment of the violent conditions surrounding al-Obeid’s death.
Can you tell us how he died, where, and why? https://t.co/W7HCyVVtBE
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) August 9, 2025
Al-Obeid’s football career was marked by impressive achievements. Born in Gaza City in 1984, he scored over 100 goals during his career and represented Palestine internationally from 2007 to 2013, earning 24 caps. He is remembered especially for a stunning scissors-kick goal against Yemen during the 2010 West Asian Football Federation Championship.
His death marks the third national team player to be killed in Gaza’s ongoing war, adding to the tragic toll on the Palestinian sports community. The PFA reports that since October 2023, at least 662 athletes and their families have died in the conflict, with more than 321 deaths specifically related to football players, coaches, and officials.
Salah, known not only for his footballing prowess but also for his humanitarian efforts, has been outspoken about the suffering in Gaza. He previously donated to the Egyptian Red Cross to support relief efforts and has consistently called attention to the humanitarian crisis there.
The circumstances of al-Obeid’s death—killed while queuing for food aid—serve as a grim reminder of the ongoing hardships faced by civilians in Gaza, including hunger, displacement, and violence.