Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah has sparked a wave of excitement in Turkey’s Black Sea city of Trabzon since joining Trabzonspor after leaving Liverpool in August 2026. The 34-year-old forward signed a two-year contract with the Turkish club, ending a nine-year spell at Liverpool, where he scored 257 goals in 442 appearances and won major honors, including two Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League. Salah’s arrival has transformed the atmosphere around Trabzonspor, with supporters displaying his image on murals, selling themed merchandise and filling stadium seats. His popularity has also attracted visitors eager to watch him play and explore locations associated with the Egyptian star.
Local media reports indicate that Trabzonspor gained around one million social media followers following his signing. Direct flights between Cairo and Trabzon were also introduced in August, helping improve access for Egyptian fans interested in visiting the city. The excitement was evident during Monday’s derby against Besiktas, another of Turkey’s prominent clubs, which had reportedly held talks to sign Salah before he joined Trabzonspor.
The transfer is also creating opportunities for local businesses. Tour operators are offering packages combining match tickets, sightseeing trips and club merchandise, while vendors say Salah-themed products are drawing attention from residents and tourists. Salah’s move has given Trabzonspor greater international visibility and brought renewed attention to the city as a football and tourism destination. His growing popularity demonstrates how a high-profile football signing can extend beyond the pitch, benefiting supporters, local businesses and the wider travel industry.
