Mohamed Salah’s Pursuit of AFCON Glory and Record-Breaking Contributions

Mohamed Salah has achieved an impressive record of 65 goals and 35 assists over 111 appearances for the Egyptian national team since his international debut in 2011. Despite his individual success, Salah continues to seek tangible triumph with the Pharaohs, particularly aiming for victory in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2026. As captain, he is determined to help his country overcome previous runner-up finishes in the tournament.

In a notable quarter-final match against the Ivory Coast, Salah scored the decisive goal in a thrilling 3-2 victory, exemplifying his ability to deliver when his team needed inspiration the most. His contribution to the national side is remarkable, amassing 100 goal involvements in fewer games than legendary players like Messi and Ronaldo. However, he trails behind Brazilian icons Pele and Neymar in reaching that milestone.

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi achieved this feat in 122 matches, while Ali Daei, a former leading scorer in men’s international football, reached 100 contributions in 123 games. Comparatively, Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo and German striker Miroslav Klose took 136 matches to reach the same milestone.

Salah is revered in Egypt but has been advised that winning the AFCON is essential for him to be considered a true continental icon. Former Nigerian star Jay-Jay Okocha emphasized that success at the national level is crucial, while fellow countryman John Obi Mikel reiterated the importance of the tournament for Salah’s legacy.

Despite his impressive club achievements with Liverpool, including domestic and continental titles, Salah is focused on Egypt’s AFCON journey. Following the victory against Ivory Coast, he expressed confidence in the team’s efforts, stating, “It was a perfect win, but we are fighting for our country. Hopefully, we can advance in the next game, even against tough opponents.”

Egypt’s advancement to the AFCON semi-finals means Salah’s return to Liverpool will be postponed, as he has already missed several key matches, including fixtures against Tottenham and Arsenal. The AFCON final is scheduled for January 18, which would also result in his absence for a home game against Burnley if Egypt secures a place in the championship. While there have been discussions regarding his future at Liverpool, Salah remains committed to fulfilling his contract, which extends until April 2025.