The former Manchester United and England captain made the savage assessment on his BBC podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show, in early February 2026—sparking immediate shockwaves across social media, fan forums, and pundit circles. Rooney, never one to mince words, pointed to Salah’s recent dip in form, particularly his struggles with goalscoring output this season amid a challenging campaign for the Egyptian forward.
Key excerpts from Rooney’s comments include:
- When asked if Salah’s time at the top is over: “It will be at the end of season, you’d imagine… That happens to players. I think you’ve probably seen the end of him from the summer on.”
- On Salah’s physical decline: “I just think, unfortunately, his legs have gone a little bit… His peak years will be behind him starting this summer.”
- Acknowledging Salah’s legacy: “He’s an incredible player in what he’s done for the Premier League and for Liverpool… one of the best to ever play in the Premier League.”
At 33 years old, Salah—Liverpool’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer and a key architect of multiple trophies under Jürgen Klopp—has faced criticism for inconsistent finishing and reduced explosiveness in 2025-26. Despite still contributing in big games (including a historic Anfield milestone against Newcastle that saw him surpass Rooney’s home record for goals/assists at a single stadium), his overall numbers have dipped compared to his peak seasons of 20+ goals.
Rooney drew parallels to other ageing stars, noting similar observations about Virgil van Dijk earlier in the campaign (though Van Dijk has since stabilized with his contract extended to 2027). He suggested Salah’s post-AFCON form and general wear from years of high-intensity play have caught up, signaling the beginning of a natural decline phase common in elite football.
The reaction at Anfield and beyond has been intense:
- Supporters are divided—some dismiss Rooney as biased (given his United history and past jabs at Liverpool), while others concede the comments hit hard amid ongoing contract renewal talks for Salah (secured to 2027 but with performance clauses and future options debated).
- Pundits like Danny Murphy (a former Liverpool midfielder) have echoed elements of the view, suggesting Salah may not return to his absolute best, though many highlight his enduring quality and professionalism.
- Social media erupted with memes, defenses (“Rooney’s jealous—Salah’s still class!”), and emotional tributes to the Egyptian King’s legacy, with hashtags like #ItsNotOverMo trending briefly.
This isn’t Rooney’s first pointed Liverpool commentary this season—he’s also weighed in on Alexander Isak’s struggles post his big-money move, warning the striker should be “worried” watching new attacking partnerships like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike flourish. But the Salah remarks feel particularly stinging, given the forward’s status as a modern Anfield legend.
For now, Salah remains fully committed, starting regularly under Arne Slot and chasing silverware in the run-in. Liverpool’s focus is on the present—title challenges, cup runs, and squad depth (bolstered by upcoming signings like Jeremy Jacquet)—but Rooney’s words have amplified debates about the post-prime transition for one of the club’s greatest-ever attackers.
Whether it’s truly “over” remains to be seen—legends like Salah often defy predictions—but the brutal honesty from Rooney has undeniably rattled cages around Anfield. YNWA, Mo—prove them wrong.
