Mohamed Salah reportedly set for Turkish citizenship and state honour

Reports in Turkey say Mohamed Salah could be granted Turkish citizenship, along with his wife and three children, after his performances for Trabzonspor were linked to a proposed national recognition.

The claims were made by journalist Mohamed Al-Qaoud, a correspondent for BBC, in a post on his official Facebook account. He said arrangements were under way to give the Egypt forward Turkish nationality.

Al-Qaoud wrote: “I have learned that Mohamed Salah will receive Turkish citizenship, in addition to his wife and three children. Salah will also be awarded the state medal for distinguished service at a major ceremony, and will receive a high-level honour after contributing to a major transformation in both sport and tourism in a short period.”

No formal confirmation of the reported plans has been given in the source of the claims.

The reports come as Salah continues his campaign with Trabzonspor. He featured in the club’s 2-0 victory over Gaziantep on Sunday in the 10th round of the Turkish league.

That result strengthened Trabzonspor’s position among the leading sides in the division. The club moved on to 22 points and remains third in the table, while continuing to pursue leaders Galatasaray, who are three points ahead.

Salah’s reported contribution to sporting and tourism developments has therefore been placed alongside his form on the pitch as the focus of growing attention in Turkey.

If the reported moves are officially confirmed, the forward would receive Turkish citizenship together with his family, as well as a state decoration and a major public ceremony.