Egypt’s Mohammed Salah will lead Egypt in today’s Group A opener against Uruguay, in a match that means a lot to the Liverpool forward.
Salah will be celebrating his 26th birthday, and will hope to celebrate it well by leading his country to a win against the South America opponents.
This match will be a special encounter for Salah, who was not born the last time the Pharaohs played in the world cup; 1990.
There were questions marks over his fitness to participate in the tournament, after he was injured in the final of the UEFA Champions League against Real Madrid.
He has however passed the fitness test, and will be leading the North African side in today’s tie. The match also comes at a good time, with the Egyptians celebrating Idd-Ul-Fitr.
Salah singlehandedly led his side in qualifying for football’s biggest event, and is expected by many to shine.
Here are other facts about the diminutive forward.
Started his senior career at his hometown club El Mokawloon in the Egyptian Premier League in 2010 before moving to Swiss Basel
He moved to Chelsea in 2014 for £11m but struggled to establish himself as a regular starter
He is married to his high school sweetheart, Magi, whom they have a daughter together.