Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah is grieving the loss of his grandfather, Ahmed Abdel Aziz Al Bambi, who passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026. The news emerged from Egypt early in the day and was swiftly confirmed by family members, sending waves of sorrow through the football world and beyond.

Salah’s sister, Rabab Salah, shared the devastating update on her Facebook page with a poignant Islamic invocation: “We belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return. My dear and affectionate grandfather passed away. May Allah have mercy on him, forgive him, and make him dwell in heaven.” The post, accompanied by a photo of the late patriarch, quickly garnered thousands of reactions and messages of support from fans, teammates, and well-wishers.

The grandfather’s funeral was scheduled for the same day after the noon prayer in Nagrig, Salah’s hometown village in the Gharbia Governorate of Egypt. Local reports indicated the ceremony would take place at the Grand Mosque of Musa, followed by immediate burial, drawing large attendance from the community that has long celebrated Salah as a national hero. Salah’s uncle, Abdel Aziz Al Bambi — who chairs the Mohamed Salah Youth Center — also issued a statement expressing profound grief and calling for prayers for mercy and forgiveness for the deceased.

The timing of the loss adds to the emotional weight for Salah. Just days earlier, he had delivered a standout performance in Liverpool’s high-stakes clash against Manchester City, scoring and assisting in a thrilling match that kept the Reds firmly in the Premier League title race under Arne Slot. The Egyptian King, now 33, has been in exceptional form this season, leading the club’s attack with his trademark pace, finishing, and work rate. Yet personal tragedies have shadowed the campaign for several Liverpool players: Diogo Jota and his brother faced family losses earlier, Ibrahima Konate mourned his father, and now Salah joins that list of grief-stricken stars.

Fans and pundits have noted the pattern of hardship surrounding the club this term, with many expressing sympathy online. Messages flooded social media platforms, from simple “YNWA Mo ❤️” tributes on Instagram and Threads to heartfelt condolences on Reddit’s LiverpoolFC subreddit. One supporter wrote: “Mo has given us so much joy — now it’s our turn to support him through this.” Liverpool’s official channels and fan pages echoed the sentiment, posting black-and-white images with prayers for peace.

Salah’s deep connection to his roots in Nagrig has always been central to his story. Raised in a modest family, he credits his early support system — including grandparents — for nurturing his dream of professional football. The Mohamed Salah Youth Center, established in his honor, provides opportunities for local children, reflecting the values instilled by family elders like Ahmed Abdel Aziz Al Bambi. The grandfather reportedly took pride in watching his grandson rise from village pitches to global stardom at Roma, Chelsea, and now Liverpool, where Salah has become one of the Premier League’s all-time greats.

No cause of death has been publicly disclosed, and details remain private as the family observes mourning traditions. In Islamic custom, the period following a passing focuses on prayer, reflection, and support for the bereaved. Salah, currently in England with the Liverpool squad, is expected to receive time and space to process the loss, though no immediate absence from training or matches has been announced.

The football community has rallied in support. Teammates past and present, including Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and former captain Jordan Henderson, have shared messages of solidarity. Rivals and neutrals alike — from Manchester United fans to Egyptian supporters worldwide — have offered condolences, highlighting Salah’s universal respect as both a player and a person of faith and humility.

This personal tragedy underscores the human side of elite sport. Behind the goals, trophies, and accolades lies a man who, like anyone, faces profound family grief. Salah’s resilience — often channeling emotion into performance — may once again shine through, but for now, the focus remains on healing with his loved ones.

As arrangements proceed in Nagrig and tributes continue to pour in, the world sends its love to Mohamed Salah. In a season already marked by challenges, this loss reminds everyone that even the brightest stars navigate darkness. May Ahmed Abdel Aziz Al Bambi rest in peace, and may his family find strength in the outpouring of support.