Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has urged UEFA to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death of the footballer known as “Palestine Pele,” Suleiman al-Ouid, who was reportedly killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza.
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) announced on Wednesday that the 41-year-old al-Ouid lost his life during the attack.
UEFA acknowledged his talent and the hope he brought to many children even amidst adversity in a message on X.
In a response posted on Saturday, Salah questioned, “How did he die, where, and why?”
The 33-year-old Salah, who has over 19 million followers on X, has previously advocated for a cessation of hostilities and humanitarian aid access to Gaza.
In an Instagram video from October 2023, he expressed, “The escalations of the last few weeks are hard to bear. Every life is sacred and must be protected. The genocide needs to stop; families are being torn apart.”
According to the PFA, Al-Ouid was married with two sons and three daughters, earning 24 caps for the national team and scoring two goals.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) were made.
Fan Take: This news resonates strongly with soccer fans as it highlights the intersection of sports and social issues, especially in conflict regions. The outcry from a prominent player like Salah not only underscores the human toll of such violence but also raises awareness about the need for a more compassionate approach to global conflicts, which is vital for the future of the sport and its role in unifying people.
