Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah was in line to have the prestigious role of being Egypt’s flag bearer at the upcoming 2024 Olympics in Paris. However, his commitment to Liverpool’s pre-season training means he will not be able to represent his country at the games. This is a common occurrence as clubs are not obligated to release players for the Olympics, which falls outside of FIFA rules.
Egypt had expressed hope that Salah, their talismanic player, would be able to participate in the Olympics. However, this hope has been dashed once again, with Salah not being named in the final squad. Yasser Idris, the head of Egypt’s Olympic committee, mentioned that if Salah had been included, he would have been the flag bearer at the opening ceremony. Idris noted that Salah’s exceptional popularity in Egypt and around the world made him a standout choice for this role.
Instead, the honor of being Egypt’s flag bearers will go to weightlifter Sara Samir and modern pentathlete Ahmed Elgendy. While it would have undoubtedly been a proud moment for Salah, he has chosen to commit his time to Liverpool’s pre-season preparations and their upcoming trip to the United States.
Although Salah enjoyed an extended break after the domestic season and his international duties, he has remained focused on maintaining his physical fitness. His posts on Instagram have showcased his outstanding shape heading into pre-season training.
While it is unfortunate that Salah will not be able to represent Egypt at the Olympics, his dedication to his club demonstrates his commitment to achieving success with Liverpool. This decision also ensures that he is physically prepared for the demanding season ahead. Despite not being able to fulfill the role of flag bearer, Salah’s popularity and influence both in Egypt and globally remain undiminished.