RABAT, Morocco – Mohamed Salah has once again ignited debate on social media after sharing a photograph of a Christmas tree, a post that drew mixed reactions from fans despite the Liverpool and Egypt forward not appearing in the image himself.
The post, shared during the festive season, quickly went viral and reopened a familiar discussion around faith, identity and public expression.
Salah, a practising Muslim and one of the world’s most recognisable Muslim athletes, has made it an annual tradition to share a Christmas-themed message or image — a gesture that continues to divide opinion within parts of his global fanbase.
Some Muslim supporters criticised the post, arguing that associating with Christian symbols contradicts Islamic teachings.
They maintained that Salah’s influence, particularly among young Muslims, comes with added responsibility.
“You are Muslim… you should respect your religion and culture,” one follower wrote, questioning the message being sent to his millions of followers.
Another went further, warning that such gestures could be seen as religious transgressions, while a separate critic said celebrating imagery linked to other faiths was “something that doesn’t concern Muslims.”
However, the criticism was met by a wave of support from fans across religious and cultural lines.
Many defended the Egyptian star, saying the post reflected goodwill, tolerance and shared humanity rather than religious endorsement.
“The world will be a better place if we tolerate our differences,” one supporter commented.
Others praised Salah for maintaining the tradition despite being away on international duty, with one fan saying his message showed that “humanity comes first.”
The debate unfolded as Salah remains in Morocco with the Egyptian national team for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he continues to play a central role in the Pharaohs’ campaign.
Earlier this week, the Liverpool forward converted a decisive penalty in Egypt’s 2–1 win over Zimbabwe, helping his side kick-start their tournament on a positive note.
Egypt, the most successful nation in AFCON history with seven titles, are chasing their first continental crown since 2010 — a year before Salah became a regular in the national setup. They face South Africa on Friday as they look to build momentum in the competition.
While opinions remain split online, Salah’s festive post once again highlighted his unique position at the intersection of sport, faith and global influence — a space where even a simple image can spark a worldwide conversation.
