The football community was surrounded in grief after the recent passing away of Palestinian footballer Suleiman Al-Obeid, who was killed in Gaza. The death of the footballer, who was fondly called as the ‘Palestinian
Pele’ came around amidst the ongoing tensions, involving Israel and Gaza.
Al-Obeid’s death was confirmed by the Palestine Football Association (PFA), according to whom the top player was killed by an Israeli strike targeting the civilians waiting for aid in southern Gaza. The PFA shared a statement in Arabic on Saturday, August 9 that it said was sent from UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, expressing his condolences for Al-Obeid’s death.
Al-Obeid showed that “joy, talent, and pride can blossom despite suffering,” said the statement attributed to Ceferin. “His talent and dedication of the game gave the children of Gaza and beyond hope in a brighter tomorrow”, it further added.
Mohamed Salah calls out UEFA over tribute to Suleiman Al-Obeid; triggers controversy
Amidst this, one of the high-profile Arab player in the football community and an Egyptian Liverpool forward, Mohamed Salah took to X to question UEFA’s tribute. "Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the 'Palestinian Pele', the post from UEFA read on X. But it soon got into the attention of Salah as he triggered a big debate while asking the European football governing body to highlight the reason behind Suleiman's death.
Salah responded to the post, “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” His remark quickly gained traction, with more than 60.7 million views by Sunday morning.
Speaking of Suleiman, the Palestine football icon was born in Gaza on March 24, 1984. He began his career with Khadamat al-Shati whereas made his national debut in 2007, earning 24 caps and scoring twice. With Al-Obeid now dead, he is survived by his wife and five children.
