After Liverpool’s FA Cup final triumph over Chelsea on Saturday, Mohamed Salah brought former Egypt player Moamen Zakaria into the locker room.
Jurgen Klopp’s team upset the Blues on penalties for the second time this season, winning 6-5 at Wembley Stadium.
Salah was replaced in the first half and did not participate in the shootout, although he was present for the celebrations.
Salah’s special post-match visitor, according to Egyptian source FilGoal, was Zakaria.
If you’re not familiar with Zakaria’s story, it’s tragic. He was formerly considered one of Egypt’s best players, having won three Premier League titles in his hometown.
The 34-year-old also played 12 times for the national team. His final professional game came in 2018, and he was unfortunately diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS, in 2020.
ALS is a neurological illness that affects the brain; unfortunately, there is no cure.
It was the end of Zakaria’s career, as he hasn’t played in a professional game since 2018. He also looks to be in need of a wheelchair.
That didn’t stop Liverpool’s players from treating Zakaria like one of their own, allowing him to carry the trophy as Salah videotaped everything. Everyone participating added a touch of sophistication.