Al-Dabbagh, a revered figure in Palestinian football, was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, Gaza, in early August 2025, at the age of 26. His death has sparked widespread mourning and outrage, with Salah, one of football’s most prominent figures, leading the charge against what he perceives as UEFA’s inadequate response.
Salah, who has consistently used his platform to advocate for Palestinian causes, took to social media to express his frustration. In a post on X, he wrote, “UEFA’s statement on Saeed Al-Dabbagh’s death is a disgrace. A footballer, a hero to his people, killed in his prime, and they offer empty words with no call for justice. Football is for humanity, not silence.” His comments came in response to UEFA’s official statement, which expressed “deep sadness” over Al-Dabbagh’s death but stopped short of addressing the circumstances surrounding it or calling for accountability. The statement, posted on UEFA’s website on August 7, 2025, read: “UEFA is deeply saddened by the passing of Saeed Al-Dabbagh, a talented footballer and inspiration to many. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the Palestinian football community.”
The Egyptian forward’s outspoken criticism has resonated widely, with fans and activists praising his courage while others have accused him of politicizing a tragedy. Al-Dabbagh, who played for Palestine’s national team and Al-Ahli Club in Gaza, was celebrated for his flair, goal-scoring prowess, and resilience, earning comparisons to Brazil’s Pele. His death, reportedly during a bombardment that also killed members of his family, has intensified global attention on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to local reports, Al-Dabbagh was sheltering in a residential area when the strike occurred, though details remain contested.
Salah’s remarks have reignited debates about the role of sports governing bodies in addressing political and humanitarian issues. UEFA has faced similar criticism in the past for its cautious approach to conflicts, including its handling of statements during the Russia-Ukraine war. Critics argue that UEFA’s neutral stance fails to acknowledge the broader context of Al-Dabbagh’s death, while supporters of the organization claim it must remain impartial to avoid alienating member associations.
The backlash has also drawn attention to Salah’s broader activism. The 33-year-old has previously donated millions to humanitarian causes, including rebuilding schools and hospitals in Egypt and supporting relief efforts in Gaza. His comments have sparked a wave of reactions on X, with hashtags like #JusticeForSaeed and #PalestinianPele trending globally. Some users called for UEFA to issue a stronger statement, while others criticized Salah for targeting the organization rather than focusing solely on mourning Al-Dabbagh.
As of August 10, 2025, UEFA has not responded to Salah’s criticism. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, declined to comment on the matter during a recent press conference, stating, “Mo’s entitled to his views, but my focus is on the team and our upcoming matches.” The controversy is likely to persist as the football world grapples with how to honor Al-Dabbagh’s legacy amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
