In a moment that sent ripples through the football world, Trent Alexander-Arnold, now donning Real Madrid’s white, took to social media to celebrate his former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah’s unprecedented third PFA Player of the Year award. The Egyptian star’s record-breaking achievement at the 2025 PFA Awards, held on August 19 in Manchester, marked him as the first player in English football history to claim the prestigious honor three times, surpassing legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry. Alexander-Arnold’s gesture, despite his controversial move to Spain, has sparked admiration and debate among fans, highlighting the enduring bond between the two players.

Salah’s remarkable 2024-25 season saw him lead Liverpool to their second Premier League title in five years, finishing ten points ahead of Arsenal. The 33-year-old forward dominated the league with 29 goals and a career-best 18 assists, earning him the Golden Boot and Playmaker awards alongside the PFA accolade. His stellar performance outshone a competitive shortlist, including Liverpool teammate Alexis Mac Allister, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, and Arsenal’s Declan Rice. Salah’s name also featured prominently in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, joined by Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch, underscoring the Reds’ dominance.

Alexander-Arnold, who recently swapped Liverpool’s red for Real Madrid, posted a photo of Salah holding the PFA trophy on his Instagram story, captioning it simply, “History.” The gesture came as a surprise to many, given the scrutiny surrounding his departure from Anfield. Fans on social media were quick to react, with some praising the show of respect, while others speculated about the deeper meaning behind the post. “Trent’s still got love for Mo, even in Madrid!” one fan wrote, while another remarked, “This is class—teammates for life.” However, some Liverpool supporters, still stung by Alexander-Arnold’s exit, saw it as a bittersweet moment, with one commenting, “Nice gesture, but wish you’d stayed to celebrate with him at Anfield.”

The PFA Awards ceremony was a night of celebration for Salah, who reflected on his journey from Egypt to global stardom. “I look at myself now, a guy coming from Egypt and making history today—it’s something that makes me so proud,” he said, accepting the award from Liverpool legend Ian Rush. Salah’s humility and ambition shone through as he recalled his childhood dreams of becoming a footballer. “You don’t think about the big stuff when you’re still in Egypt, but when you grow, you see the bigger picture,” he added. His 34 goals and 23 assists across all competitions in the 2024-25 season cemented his status as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats.

Alexander-Arnold’s tribute resonated deeply, not only for its simplicity but for what it represented—a connection unbroken by distance or club rivalries. The pair had formed a dynamic partnership at Liverpool, with Alexander-Arnold’s pinpoint passes often setting up Salah’s clinical finishes. Their chemistry was a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success under Jürgen Klopp and Arne Slot, making the defender’s move to Real Madrid a shock to many. Yet, his decision to publicly honor Salah suggests a bond that transcends club loyalties, a rare sight in modern football.

The PFA Awards also highlighted Liverpool’s collective strength, with four players named in the Team of the Year, a feat not seen since 2017. Notably, no Manchester City players made the cut, a testament to Liverpool’s dominance. Salah’s individual brilliance, however, stole the spotlight. His third PFA win, following victories in 2018 and 2022, places him among football’s elite, with only three non-European players—Luis Suárez, Riyad Mahrez, and Salah himself—ever claiming the award.

For Liverpool fans, Salah’s triumph is a moment of pride amid a season tinged with loss, including the tragic passing of teammate Diogo Jota. The club’s unity, reflected in Alexander-Arnold’s gesture, mirrors the spirit of their anthem, You’ll Never Walk Alone. As Salah continues to break records, his former teammate’s tribute serves as a reminder of the camaraderie that defines Liverpool’s legacy.

The football world now watches to see if Salah can add a Ballon d’Or to his collection, though his focus remains on team success. For Alexander-Arnold, his post was more than a congratulatory note—it was a nod to a shared history and a player who continues to inspire. As fans debate his motives, one thing is clear: Salah’s greatness unites even those who’ve moved on.