FEATURE: How Mohamed Salah contributed to reducing Islamophobia during his Liverpool stint?

Since his arrival at Liverpool FC in 2017, Mohamed Salah has grown into far more than just a football star.

While his performances on the pitch elevated him into one of the club’s greatest players, his presence off it has sparked a wider conversation about cultural influence and social change in English football.

Over the course of nine years, Salah established himself as a central figure at Anfield, delivering goals, trophies, and iconic moments that restored Liverpool’s status among Europe’s elite.

pic.twitter.com/mSP9S4pfpu

— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) March 24, 2026

His impact, however, extended beyond football, as he became a visible and respected Muslim figure in a global sport often scrutinised for issues of discrimination and inclusion.

With Salah now set to leave Liverpool at the end of the 2025-2026 season, attention has turned not only to his footballing legacy but also to his societal influence. According to TNT Sports, a study conducted by Stanford University highlighted a notable shift in attitudes during his time in England.

The study reported a 19 per cent decrease in hate crimes in the Liverpool area following Salah’s arrival, alongside a 50 per cent drop in anti-Muslim comments online.

These findings have been widely interpreted as evidence of what is often described as the “Salah effect,” reflecting how representation in sport can shape public perception.

TNT Sports described this as “Salah’s positive impact on and off the field,” underlining the broader significance of his presence in the Premier League era.

According to a Stanford University study, since Mo Salah joined Liverpool, hate crimes in the area decreased by 19% and anti-Muslim comments online have dropped by 50%. Impact on and off the pitch. pic.twitter.com/pTKOmCshdc

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 25, 2026

Salah’s visibility as a practising Muslim, combined with his humility and consistent excellence, helped challenge stereotypes and reshape narratives. His goal celebrations, interviews, and public image all contributed to a more familiar and humanised portrayal of Muslim identity for many fans.

As he prepares to depart Anfield, a year before the expiration of his contract in 2027, Salah leaves behind not only a footballing legacy defined by records and silverware, but also a cultural imprint that may have played a role in fostering greater understanding and tolerance.

While debates around the direct impact of athletes on social issues will continue, Salah’s time at Liverpool stands as a compelling example of how sport and society can intersect in meaningful ways.