UEFA Honors Salah with "Palestinian Pele" Moniker, Sparks Debate Among Liverpool's Star Player
Football Legend Suleiman al-Obeid Killed in Gaza
Suleiman al-Obeid, affectionately known as the "Palestinian Pele," was tragically killed by Israeli gunfire while waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip on August 6, 2025, according to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) and Mohamed Salah, a prominent footballer supporting the cause. He was 41 years old at the time of his death.
The PFA reported that Israeli forces targeted people waiting for humanitarian aid, and al-Obeid was among the victims in this incident. Mohamed Salah and other football figures mourned his death, emphasizing his significance in Palestinian football history and his tragic killing during a humanitarian crisis.
UEFA, while recognized as a major football governing body, has not been directly mentioned in the available reports about providing a detailed account of al-Obeid's death. The primary official statements come from the Palestinian Football Association and related Palestinian sources.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokespersons publicly stated that after an initial review, they found no records or confirmation of an incident involving Suleiman al-Obeid, requesting further details to investigate the allegations of his death by Israeli fire. This indicates a discrepancy between Palestinian reports and Israeli military statements.
Suleiman al-Obeid was a celebrated Palestinian footballer who captained Palestine in 24 international matches, scored over 100 goals professionally, and played until his retirement in 2023. He was known for his skill and passionate involvement in football and had plans to become a coach.
In other football news, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager, gave an emotional speech about the situation in Gaza while being honoured by the University of Manchester. Guardiola expressed his pain about the situation, stating it hurts him "whole body." He clarified that his comments were not about ideology but about the love of life and care for neighbours.
Additionally, Anwar El Ghazi, a Dutch winger previously playing for Bundesliga club Mainz, was dismissed over social media posts related to the conflict. However, a court later ruled that El Ghazi's comments did not warrant the immediate halting of his working relationship with Mainz.
UEFA posted a tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid, calling him a source of hope and a loss to the football world. The Palestinian national team, recognized as a national team in 1998, is listed at 129th in UEFA's world rankings.
Mohamed Salah has repeatedly called for increased humanitarian access into Gaza. In October 2023, he urged world leaders to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza to prevent further loss of life. As of October 2023, the PFA reports that 325 people in the Palestinian football community have died in the conflict.
[1] Palestinian Football Association (PFA) statement on the death of Suleiman al-Obeid. [2] Mohamed Salah's public statement on the death of Suleiman al-Obeid. [3] Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) statement on the alleged incident involving Suleiman al-Obeid. [4] Human Rights Watch report on civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.
- Despite several calls for increased humanitarian access in Gaza, 325 people, including football community members, have died as per the Palestinian Football Association's October 2023 report.
- Suleiman al-Obeid, a celebrated Palestinian footballer, was tragically killed by Israeli gunfire in the Gaza Strip on August 6, 2025, according to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) and Mohamed Salah.
- The UEFA posted a tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid, acknowledging him as a source of hope and a loss to the football world.
- The Palestinian national football team, recognized by UEFA in 1998, currently stands at 129th in UEFA's world rankings.
- Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokespersons initially did not confirm the incident involving Suleiman al-Obeid, requesting further details to investigate the allegations.
- Mohamed Salah, along with other football figures, mourned the death of Suleiman al-Obeid, emphasizing his significance in Palestinian football history and tragic death during a humanitarian crisis.
