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Mohamed Salah's remarkable influence on the field since his move to Liverpool is evident to everyone, but a new academic study has uncovered the profoundly positive effect the Egyptian striker has also had away from the game during his nine years on Merseyside.
The seasoned star recently announced his Liverpool exit at the conclusion of the current season, having arrived at the club in 2017. Salah has shattered numerous records since his return to English football and has been instrumental in the club's tremendous success both domestically and across European competitions.
Yet Salah's influence extends well beyond the football pitch. A study carried out by Stanford University found a 19% drop in hate crimes on Merseyside following his arrival at Liverpool, while Islamophobic comments online from the club's fanbase were cut by half.
"We had been closely watching the rise to stardom of Mohamed Salah, this Egyptian soccer player, and we were especially curious about what was happening with fans in the stands during matches," said Alexandra Siegel, one of four researchers behind the study.
The study determined that "positive exposure to outgroup celebrities can reduce prejudice," with Salah's effect on Liverpool supporters serving as a prime example of this shift in attitudes.
Salah Leaves Liverpool With Legend Status
Few anticipated that Salah, once considered a Chelsea misfit, would go on to make such a monumental impact at Liverpool. Yet during a stunning 44-goal debut campaign, it quickly became apparent that the Reds had signed a truly exceptional talent.
Contrary to expectations following his sensational opening season, Salah continued to uphold his extraordinary standards, with the Egyptian's consistency proving just as remarkable as his raw ability. Season after season, more records fell and more silverware was added to the trophy room.
Salah has become Liverpool's all-time leading scorer in both the Premier League era and the Champions League, while also rising to third on the club's overall scoring list — behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt. The 33-year-old has claimed two Premier League titles, a European trophy, and six additional pieces of silverware since his arrival on Merseyside.
The debate surrounding his place among the Premier League's all-time elite continues, but there is little question that he stands among the finest players ever to have worn a Liverpool shirt — and that is no small claim.