Join AI Pro

Salah’s Iconic Selfie Celebration Sparks Joy and Debate Among Liverpool Faithful

Selfie Moment Captures Title Glory

In an era where every moment is framed, filtered, and fired onto social media within seconds, Mohamed Salah’s goal celebration in Liverpool’s emphatic 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur was perfectly timed—both on the pitch and online. After notching the fourth goal in a title-clinching performance at Anfield, the Egyptian star made his way toward the roaring Kop, borrowed a phone from a Liverpool staff member, and snapped a selfie with the jubilant crowd behind him.

It was a gesture drenched in symbolism. Liverpool had just sealed the Premier League crown under new manager Arne Slot, and Salah—so often the protagonist in Anfield drama—was again at the centre of the story. Yet, while fans revelled in the joy, others wondered if the moment had been stage-managed.

Marketing or Moment of Magic?

The phone Salah used was a Google Pixel, one of Liverpool’s commercial partners. That led to speculation over whether the celebration was spontaneous or crafted for brand exposure. The image, posted by Salah and the club across social channels, swiftly went viral—garnering millions of likes and views.

“At the beginning of the season I always take selfies with players [who score], so for this one I said ‘OK, I have to think of something special because it’s a picture that’s going to be there forever’,” Salah told BBC Sport. That quote, offering context to the gesture, suggested personal sentiment rather than corporate choreography.

Salah, 32, is no stranger to the lens. His social media is littered with selfies, often alongside team-mates. When he signed his recent two-year contract extension, the announcement came complete with a self-taken photo—adding consistency to his image-driven persona.

Controversy and Clarification

Initially, some believed Salah had taken a fan’s phone. It was later confirmed the device belonged to a staff member stationed behind the advertising hoardings near the Kop. That didn’t stop murmurs questioning the authenticity of the act.

Some observers saw it as a cleverly executed marketing ploy. Others were quick to defend it. After all, how could anyone know Salah would be the one to score? It was his 33rd goal of a typically prolific season, but still—none of the earlier scorers had reached for a phone.

Google Pixel later posted more of Salah’s post-match selfies, reinforcing the brand connection. And while the FA has regulations on kit advertising and betting promotion, nothing currently prohibits actions like this, even if they edge into advertising territory.

Celebrations Under Scrutiny

Referee Thomas Bramall could have penalised Salah for delaying the restart, but chose to show discretion. Meanwhile, team-mate Cody Gakpo was less fortunate, receiving a yellow card for revealing an ‘I belong to Jesus’ shirt after scoring Liverpool’s third.

Salah’s selfie may be unprecedented in its timing and context—but it isn’t the first. Francesco Totti famously took a selfie after scoring for Roma in the 2015 derby against Lazio, while Mario Balotelli grabbed headlines with a similar move during his time at Marseille.

Still, in a season filled with turning points, Salah’s snapshot might be the image that lingers longest. Not just for its spectacle, but for what it symbolised—Liverpool back on top, and their talisman at the heart of it once again.

Join AI Pro