Salah snapped a memorable selfie in front of the Kop.
Image credit: Premier League
When Liverpool thrashed Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 to seal the Premier League title, it wasn’t just the goals or the celebrations that stole the show—it was Mohamed Salah’s now-viral selfie.
After netting Liverpool’s fourth goal at Anfield, the Egyptian forward jogged over to the sidelines, grabbed a phone from a club staff member, and snapped a photo with the jubilant fans in the background.
That single moment—shared by Salah and Liverpool across social platforms—has since exploded online, amassing millions of views and sparking debates around authenticity, marketing, and modern football celebrations.
A Thoughtful Celebration or Marketing Genius?
According to Salah, this wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment idea.
“I always take selfies with the players who score, but this time I thought I needed to do something special—something that would be remembered,” he told BBC Sport.
Salah, 32, is known for his love of selfies, often posting them with teammates or as part of his own announcements, such as his recent contract extension.
However, this specific celebration raised eyebrows.
The phone he used happened to be a Google Pixel, a product made by one of Liverpool’s official sponsors.
Was this an organic moment or a strategic advertisement?
Critics have speculated whether the celebration was premeditated branding.
Yet others argue it’s unlikely—after all, Salah was the fourth goal scorer, and none of the previous scorers celebrated similarly.
Still, the fact remains: it was Salah’s 33rd goal of the season, and if anyone was going to score, it was probably him.
The Line Between Sport and Sponsorship
Google and Liverpool have collaborated on several campaigns this season, with multiple players appearing in TV and social media ads.
The selfie moment has now become a PR jackpot for the brand—whether it was planned or not.
Interestingly, referee Thomas Bramall didn’t issue Salah a yellow card, despite the delay in restarting play.
In contrast, Cody Gakpo was booked earlier for revealing a religious T-shirt under his jersey after scoring.
Salah’s restraint may have spared him from a similar punishment.
Post-match, Salah continued the selfie spree.
Google Pixel even shared more images on their platforms, further fueling speculation of brand involvement.
Not the First Selfie, but Perhaps the Most Talked About
While Salah’s selfie may have been iconic, it wasn’t the first of its kind. Italian legend Francesco Totti famously snapped one in 2015 after scoring in a Rome derby.
He was 38 at the time and celebrated in front of the Roma faithful after being handed a phone by a coach.
Similarly, Mario Balotelli filmed himself during a goal celebration for Marseille in 2019.
What sets Salah’s moment apart, however, is its timing and impact.
A title-sealing goal, a roaring Anfield crowd, a club sponsor’s device, and the social media era all combined to turn a simple photo into a global talking point.
Rules and Repercussions?
As of now, there appears to be no breach of FA regulations.
While the association does monitor kit advertising and has strict policies on gambling sponsorships, there’s no explicit rule against a player using a branded device in a goal celebration.
Both Liverpool FC and the Football Association have been approached for comments, but the conversation may continue regardless.
Salah’s selfie represents more than just a snapshot; it’s a case study in how sports, branding, and personal expression are becoming increasingly intertwined.
