Mohamed “Mo” Salah may be one of the world’s best athletes, but according to comedian John Oliver he’s an even better human being. Egyptian-born Salah, 26, is shining off the field once again as he champions gender equality for women across the Muslim world.
“I think we need to change the way we treat women in our culture,” Salah said, according to CNN. Named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential people, Liverpool’s star footballer said he has changed his thoughts about women and is calling on other men to do the same.
“I support the woman more than I did before, because I feel like she deserves more than what they give her now, at the moment. That has to be; it’s not optional,” Salah said.
Salah was featured by TIME under the Titans category for his immense athleticism, ESPN reported. He scored 66 goals in 96 games since transferring from ROMA to Liverpool in 2017, CBS Sports reported.
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Though his fame grew tremendously after his breakout season, Salah has been called humble by many who know him. His talent and humility have caused him to be a hero in his homeland. Former Egyptian footballer Mido said they adore him.
“Mo is an iconic figure for Egyptians, Scousers and Muslims the world over, and yet he always comes across as a humble, thoughtful, funny man who isn’t taking any of this too seriously. As a footballer, he plays with an infectious joy. I’ve always wondered what it would feel like to be able to play as well as him, and watching his face light up after he does something incredible, you get the reassuring sense that it’s exactly as fun as you’d want it to be,” Mido said.
Salah said he just wants to do his part to make his homeland proud and make the world a better place.
