Mohamed Salah wins 2021 Laureus Sporting Inspiration award

The prize is given to an organisation or athlete who uses their platform to make a positive contribution for the good of society. 

Previous winners of the accolade include the Refugee Olympic Team and NFL star J.J. Watt.

After collecting the 2021 honour, the Liverpool forward said: “I'm very proud to have been chosen by the Laureus Academy for this Sporting Inspiration award. 

“2020 was a very difficult year on so many levels and for so many people around the world. Some of us were kept away from our family and friends, and others even lost loved ones. We need to learn from this experience, support one another and do our best to look ahead.

“Many times football players win awards and automatically thank our fans. This time, I will dedicate this award, not only to my fans, but to all the other sports fans around the world.

"This past year has been a very harsh reminder of the fact that sports, including football, is nothing without fans. Everyone in the world of sport can be replaced – fans are not.

"I will end on that note. Once again, thank you very much."

Jürgen Klopp also offered his reaction to the Egyptian winning the award.

The Reds boss commented: “When you think about Mo Salah you think, first and foremost, about an outstanding football player, a great goalscorer, super technician and a good-looking guy probably. 

“What you don't see and what you don't know – maybe if you are not too much in detail – is what kind of a good person he is. 

“And if I tell you he's an even better person than he is a player, then you might be able to imagine what kind of guy he is. 

“So, Mo, to you – well-deserved and congratulations. It's a big one, another big one for you, an individual one. 

“I know without other people usually in sport that doesn't work, you cannot win individual awards. In this case, it's your award alone. Congratulations again, well-deserved.”