Mohamed Salah reflects on sacrifice and success in new book
The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 6:00 PM
Last updated Aug 5, 2026

In an exclusive book extract, Melissa Reddy captures Mohamed Salah's journey from Al Mokawloon Al Arab’s youth sector in Cairo. The piece highlights the dedication and discipline Salah exhibited from a young age, culminating in his current status as a football icon. Salah's image is prominently displayed at the entrance of the youth academy, symbolizing his achievements and the importance of marrying talent with hard work. This reflection on his life emphasizes the efforts he made to realize his dreams in football.
- •Salah's journey began at Al Mokawloon Al Arab's youth academy.
- •His dedication and discipline are emphasized throughout the narrative.
- •Salah's image showcases his legacy in Egyptian football.
- •The extract promotes the value of hard work in reaching one's goals.
- 6:00 PMThe Guardian Sport — Mohamed Salah’s story of success and sacrifice: ‘Chasing a dream I had to reach’
"In this exclusive book extract, Melissa Reddy documents the Egyptian King’s sacrifice and dedication to make his vision a reality The entrance to Al Mokawloon Al Arab’s youth sector feels imposing. At first it is confusing to pinpoint the reason. Is it the facade; a mesh of thick concrete slabs, a marble-like trim that alters in colour depending on the light, and the no-nonsense black steel gate? Perhaps it is the stately signage of white block letters in Arabic juxtaposed against the dark background, with satellite pieces of information and announcements signifying importance. But to stop and pay attention to buildings around Nasr City in eastern Cairo is to notice that the blend of functional and decorative elements of the entrance, down to even the font and array of notices, is not unique. The building’s aura can be explained by the main image above its gates, and the knowledge that to walk through them is to follow the footsteps a history-maker took from the age of 14. Mohamed Salah’s face has pride of place above the gates; it is a reminder of where he’s been, but more pertinently, of why it is important to marry talent with discipline and determination. The truth is he has achieved the impossible. Continue reading...
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