The Palestinian Football Association said on Wednesday that Suleiman Al-Obeid, 41, died in an Israeli attack in Gaza.
Ted Hennessey and Peter Davidson
11:40, 10 Aug 2025
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah(Image: Julian Finney, Getty Images)
Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah has challenged UEFA for omitting details about the death of a footballer known as the "Palestinian Pele" in their tribute.
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) announced on Wednesday that Suleiman Al-Obeid, aged 41, was killed during an Israeli assault in Gaza.
UEFA, in a social media post, lauded him as "a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times".
Salah, the Egyptian superstar, responded by asking: "Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?".
His query earned applause, including from ex-Labour chief Jeremy Corbyn, who said: "Well said Mo!".
Salah, with over 19 million followers online, has previously urged for an end to the bloodshed in the conflict and for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.
In an Instagram video from October 2023, he stated: "It is not always easy to speak in times like this. There has been too much violence and too much heartbreak and brutality.
"The escalations in the recent weeks is unbearable to witness. All lives are sacred and must be protected. The massacres need to stop. Families are being torn apart."
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According to the PFA, Al-Obeid, a father of five, represented his country 24 times, netting two goals.
He earned the moniker "Palestinian Pele", as per the PFA.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have been contacted for a statement.