Adeel Malik
UFC lightweight champion, more importantly the people’s champion, even more importantly the Muslims champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov has spoken of his admiration of Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, describing the Egyptian as a ‘role model’ as reported by many outlets including The Metro.
Mixed martial artist Nurmagomedov and footballer Salah are arguably the two highest profile Muslim sports stars on the planet, both attracting fervent support from many especially the Muslim community.
Khabib has come to prominence as an unbeaten champion in UFC, with his latest victory over Conor McGregor catapulting him into mainstream notoriety, while Salah’s record-breaking exploits for Liverpool has seen him become one of the world’s most popular footballers.
Already a football fan, Nurmagomedov praised the example Salah has been setting during his recent ascent at Anfield.
Speaking to Al Ittihad, he said:
‘I follow him but I haven’t met him before.
He’s a great player, we want many role models like him.
They reflect the true image of our ethics.
I feel that Allah is standing with him [Salah], and our new generations need those who are like Mohamed Salah to learn humility, no matter how famous and innovative you are.
He’s an icon that we must protect, and we stand behind him so he can continue to succeed.
I admire him and the ethics and values he spreads every day in Europe.
No doubt for the youth, especially the Muslim youth, it’s great for them to look up to the exemplary roles both Khabib and Mohamad Salah are putting forth.
