Mohamed Salah at SIBF: '90 percent of my success comes from books'
Football legend inspires with the power of reading at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair
SHARJAH: Global football icon Mohamed Salah has delivered an inspiring talk at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), revealing the key to his profession success.
Salah captivated the attendees with a revelation: “Ninety percent of my success is rooted in what I’ve learned from books.”
Salah shared his journey of personal growth, crediting reading for shaping his career and life philosophy.
Mohamed Salah at SIBF 2024
From Egypt to Global Stardom
The Egyptian star’s football journey began with Al Mokawloon Al Arab SC, progressing through European clubs like Basel, Chelsea, Fiorentina, and Roma before his stellar tenure at Liverpool FC. At Liverpool since 2017, Salah has claimed Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles, multiple Golden Boots, and even the Puskas Award.
Despite his glittering career, Salah emphasised the importance of self-discipline and constant learning. "For ten years, I’ve trained twice a day, even during holidays—I always push myself harder," he shared.
Salah’s Commitment to Reading
Salah revealed that his passion for reading took root after leaving Chelsea. "It made me question how people succeed and what it takes to achieve greatness," he explained. Salah’s reading list leans towards psychology, which has helped him improve relationships and navigate challenges.
Books have also become a central part of Salah’s family life. “I have two daughters, and my wife and I make reading an integral part of their upbringing. Our library contains books in Arabic and English, with a focus on psychology,” he said, underscoring the importance of cultivating a love for learning at home.
Salah's Biography Dream
The football legend shared insights into his disciplined lifestyle. Despite a demanding schedule, Salah always makes time for books, carrying one wherever he goes. "I always have a book in my bag and try to read before I sleep," he noted.
Looking ahead, Salah hinted at an exciting project: “I'm considering writing a biography to serve as a model for younger generations who dream of following the path I took.”
Knowledge is power!
Salah’s success story is not merely about football but also about the transformative power of personal growth. He encouraged the audience to embrace reading as a means to broaden their horizons and achieve greatness.
As the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair concluded, Salah’s words left an indelible mark on his audience, reinforcing the timeless truth that knowledge is power—and books are the key to unlocking it.