Salah in line for Turkish citizenship and state medal after Trabzonspor impact

Mohamed Salah could be awarded Turkish citizenship, along with his family, just months after joining Trabzonspor from Liverpool.

The Egypt international is also reportedly being considered for the State Medal for Distinguished Services, in recognition of his contribution to the development of sport and tourism in Turkey.

The claims were made by Mohamed Kaoud, a journalist with BBC Arabic. If confirmed, the honours would underline the growing influence Salah has developed both on and off the pitch since moving to Turkey.

Salah joined Trabzonspor during the last summer transfer window after leaving Liverpool. He has made a strong start to life in the Super Lig, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in 10 appearances.

His most notable performance came in September, when he scored a hat-trick against Galatasaray. That display helped establish the 34-year-old as one of the biggest attractions in the Turkish top flight.

The winger’s arrival has also had an effect beyond his performances for Trabzonspor. The club has seen a significant rise in its social media following since he signed, while his move is reported to have helped strengthen links between Egypt and the city of Trabzon.

Those developments include the introduction of new direct flights from Cairo to Trabzon, adding a tourism and transport dimension to Salah’s impact in the region.

Salah joined Trabzonspor as a free agent and signed a two-season contract. Despite that term, he remains under contract with the Turkish club until June 2028. His current market value is listed at 17 million euros by Transfermarkt.

The possible awards would represent a formal recognition of the attention and influence Salah has brought to Turkey since his move. His status is already extending beyond his role as Trabzonspor’s leading attacking player.

Trabzonspor’s next fixture is against Freiburg in the third matchday of the league phase of the Europa Conference League. The match is scheduled to take place soon, with Trabzonspor priced at 2.15 to win, a draw at 3.50 and Freiburg at 2.55.