Anfield is set for an emotional Sunday as Mohamed Salah prepares to bid farewell to Liverpool after a glittering nine-year spell. The Egyptian forward, out of contract this summer, will play his final game against Brentford, closing a chapter that yielded 257 goals in 441 appearances. A pre-match ceremony has already set the tone, with the club paying a heartfelt tribute to one of its greatest ever players.
Liverpool rolled out a touching homage, compiling a video montage that traced Salah’s journey from his 2017 arrival from Roma to becoming a global superstar. His two daughters joined him on the pitch, with his elder daughter’s words capturing the sentiment: "It's hard to leave, but we will be Reds forever." The phrase echoed through Anfield, underscoring the deep bond between the player and the fanbase.
Salah’s highlights reel included some of his most iconic moments. There was the unforgettable solo run against Arsenal, where he slalomed past defenders to score a goal that will live in Premier League folklore. Then came the ice-cool penalty in the 2019 Champions League final against Tottenham, just two minutes in, setting Liverpool on their way to a sixth European crown. "Something made me desperately want to win something with this club. I truly believed we could do it," Salah reflected during the tribute.
His trophy cabinet at Anfield is staggering. Two Premier League titles, including the long-awaited 2020 triumph that ended a 30-year drought, and the 2025 crown that may serve as his parting gift. Add to that the Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup – nine major honours in total. Only a select few in Liverpool’s history can match such a haul, and Salah achieved it with a blend of relentless goal scoring and big-game temperament.
The 2024-25 season was something of a mixed bag for the 33-year-old. While Liverpool secured Champions League qualification and mounted a title challenge, Salah’s own form dipped at times, leading to questions about his future. Nevertheless, he remained their talisman, delivering crucial goals when it mattered most. His departure marks the end of an era, with the club now facing the daunting task of replacing a player who has contributed so much for almost a decade.
Salah’s exit is not the only emotional goodbye at Anfield this weekend. Left-back Andrew Robertson, also out of contract, received his own video tribute during the final training session. The Scottish international has been another pillar of the club’s modern success, forming part of a devastating left-flank partnership with Salah and overlapping to create countless goals. His departure, alongside that of the Egyptian, signals a major reshuffle in the Liverpool squad.
The farewell comes at a poignant time, with the World Cup on the horizon. Salah, who has 113 caps and 65 goals for Egypt, is expected to lead his nation in the tournament starting June 11. For Liverpool, the focus now shifts to rebuilding under new leadership, with the Champions League spot already secured for next season. The Kop will undoubtedly serenade their departing heroes with a particularly emotional rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone", a song that takes on extra meaning when legends say goodbye.
Salah’s legacy is secure. From his record-breaking 32-goal debut Premier League season to his consistently elite output, he redefined what it meant to be a wide forward in English football. His professionalism and humility off the pitch only added to his legend. As his daughter so perfectly put it, the family will remain Reds forever. The same surely applies to the man himself, who leaves Anfield as an immortal.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
