BEIRUT – Photos of Liverpool star Mohamed Salah visiting a Buddhist temple in Tokyo have ignited a heated debate on Egyptian social media, with opinions sharply divided over the cultural significance of the visit.
As part of Liverpool FC’s summer pre-season tour in Japan ahead of the Premier League’s new season, the club shared a video on Monday showing players — including Salah — visiting the Eko-in Temple, a Jodo-shu Buddhist site in Tokyo. The session was described as a “bespoke meditation experience” led by a monk.
A Divided Reaction on Social Media
Some Egyptians took to social media to praise Salah for his cultural curiosity, describing him as a global role model showing respect and openness toward different religions and traditions.
“This is the kind of behavior that builds bridges,” one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote. “Salah represented Egypt in the best way.”
Others, however, expressed discomfort or disapproval, suggesting that — as a Muslim icon followed by millions — Salah might have been better off visiting a mosque or Islamic center during his time in Tokyo.
“He should have used his platform to promote Islamic culture in Japan,” one critic posted.
Another group of users dismissed the backlash as exaggerated, noting that the visit was non-religious and purely cultural as part of Liverpool’s official tour.
Liverpool Clarifies the Purpose
According to Liverpool FC’s official website, the visit to the temple was part of a broader cultural and fitness program meant to help players unwind and engage with local Japanese culture. The tour also included friendly matches and fan events designed to strengthen the club’s presence in Asia.
The Eko-in Temple, a well-known tourist and meditation center, is famous for its tranquil atmosphere and traditional Japanese architecture. Meditation sessions at the temple are often attended by tourists seeking spiritual balance — not necessarily religious devotion.
Conclusion
Mohamed Salah’s brief moment of meditation in a Japanese temple was intended as a cross-cultural experience, but it ended up reflecting a deeper divide in public opinion on how cultural figures should navigate religion, fame, and identity. While some hailed his openness, others expected a more traditional representation of his Islamic background.
As Salah continues to inspire fans both on and off the pitch, this moment highlights the complex role of global athletes in a world where every action is magnified — and often politicized — on social media.
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