Mohamed Salah has spoken out against UEFA for not revealing how Palestinian football legend Suleiman al-Obeid died in a tribute posted on social media.
Suleiman al-Obeid, 41, was killed on Wednesday in southern Gaza, according to the Palestine Football Association (PFA), when Israeli forces attacked civilians waiting for humanitarian aid. On Friday, UEFA posted on X: “Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pelé’. A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.”
The Liverpool forward responded the next day, asking: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” Salah, the Egyptian star, has repeatedly voiced support for people in Gaza during the ongoing conflict. Two years ago, he donated to the Egyptian Red Cross to help provide aid in the region.
Obeid was a key figure in the Palestinian national team after making his debut in 2007. He earned 24 caps and scored twice, including a famous scissor-kick against Yemen in the 2010 West Asian Football Federation Championship. Over his career, he netted more than 100 goals, cementing his reputation as one of Palestine’s brightest footballing talents. His style and impact earned him the nickname “the Palestinian Pelé,” in reference to Brazil’s legendary football icon.
His death adds to the heavy toll on the sports community in Gaza. The PFA reports that since the war began, at least 662 athletes and their relatives have been killed, including 421 footballers. Among them were 103 children. Sports infrastructure has also suffered severe damage, with 288 facilities hit or destroyed – 268 in Gaza and 20 in the West Bank. These include stadiums, gyms, training fields, and the PFA headquarters in Gaza, which was struck in an air raid.
According to humanitarian groups, more than 1,300 Palestinians have been killed near aid distribution points since late May, where supplies are coordinated by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.