Mohamed Salah
The 'Egyptian King' who became a symbol of pride and tolerance.
The rise
From a small Egyptian village, Salah rose through European football to become one of the world's best forwards at Liverpool.
What they did
A record-breaking goalscorer and African Footballer of the Year, he is credited with countering stereotypes about Arabs and Muslims and inspiring a generation across Africa and the Middle East.
The full picture
Carrying the hopes of a nation brings pressure, and Egypt's biggest trophies have eluded him, but his cultural impact reaches far beyond the pitch.
Why it matters
Salah is proof that an African athlete can become a global icon of both excellence and dignity.
“I want to be a good example for the next generation.”