"I don't want to overstate Mohamed Salah's influence but he gives hope at this time, which feels politically divisive," says Dr Leon Moosavi, a sociology lecturer at the University of Liverpool.
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The Egyptian striker's recent announcement that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season sparked an array of reactions - from young fans in tears to pragmatic shrugs as the 33-year-old faces the winter of his career at the club.
As one of the world's best-known footballers and a prominent Arab, Salah's impact has "transcended" boundaries, Dr Moosavi – who supports Manchester City - says.
The player rose to global fame after moving to Liverpool in 2017 and following his goals and celebrations that featured a prostration in prayer on the pitch.
Salah is not the first Muslim to play in the Premier League but Dr Moosavi says that - alongside his scoring success - he stood out for a "combination of three factors".
"The first was his name Mohamed, the second was the prostration and third was that his wife wears the hijab [Islamic headscarf]."
Ibrahim Syed (centre with his sons) has described Salah as a "role model" [Ibrahim Syed]About 8,000 residents in Liverpool are of Arab origin and Muslims make up about 5% of the city's population, according to the 2021 census.
Ibrahim Syed, a Reds fan who is a co-ordinator at the Liverpool Region Mosque Network, says Salah "normalised" religious expression.
"There's a lot of suspicion and negativity about Muslims and the Islamic faith. There's also a public debate at the moment about whether Islam fits within British society.
"So in terms of community cohesion, he's presented a different narrative. He's somebody who presents positivity and people aren't suspicious of him because he's Mo."
Salah, seen with his wife and daughters, has been credited as a "bridge-builder" [Getty Images]Dr Moosavi, who is writing a book on Muslim football fans in England, has also been researching Salah's social media presence – including reactions to his annual posts in front of a Christmas tree and of a visit to a Buddhist temple during a club tour of Japan in 2025.
"For some conservative Muslims, they feel this isn't appropriate for someone who they believe should be representing the Islamic faith.
"Not all Muslims agree – many are OK with it or think it's cute."
While Salah has previously posted about Gaza and contributed donations, the player has also drawn criticism in some quarters for not using his international profile to offer more support.
Dr Moosavi believes many have been "pinning unrealistic expectations and hopes on him" given he is a footballer.
But the reaction has been due to "many Muslims feeling the world has been unkind to them and not understanding them or their faith", he adds.
"He shows that we're all human, with passions like football and other hobbies, bringing up our families and trying to better ourselves.
"He's not meant to be a global ambassador for peace but he has been a bridge-builder."
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