Suleiman al-Obeid – known affectionately as the “Palestinian Pelé” due to his exceptional football prowess – was a celebrated national player who scored over 100 club goals and earned 24 caps for Palestine.
On 6 August 2025, he was tragically killed in southern Gaza by Israeli fire while waiting in line for humanitarian aid.
His passing is emblematic of the wider devastation inflicted upon the sports community amid the war.
What Mohamed Salah said
Liverpool and Egypt star Mohamed Salah publicly rebuked UEFA for issuing a tribute to al-Obeid that lauded his talent but ignored the context of his death. Salah responded on social media:
“Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”
He underscored the frustration over UEFA’s omission of the violent circumstances surrounding al-Obeid’s death.
What Eric Cantona has said
Here’s what French football legend Eric Cantona posted on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the death of Suleiman al-Obeid, known as the “Palestinian Pelé”:
“Israel has just killed Palestinian national team star Suleiman Al-Obeid while waiting for aid in Rafah. He was named ‘The Pelé of Palestine.’ HOW MUCH LONGER ARE WE GOING TO LET THEM COMMIT THIS GENOCIDE??? FREE PALESTINE.”
This post emphatically condemns the killing, highlights al-Obeid’s status, and includes a direct plea for justice under the banner “FREE PALESTINE.” If you’d like to explore reactions from other figures or how different communities are responding, I’d be happy to help further.
Cantona has been outspoken (about Palestine) and he is a high-profile supporter of the Palestinian he has said:
- In May 2024, Cantona questioned global attitudes toward Israel. He wrote on social media:
“Is there anyone left to defend these criminals? … Is there anyone left who would not call this a genocide? … Is there anyone left who would not shed a tear in the face of such horror?”
- In October 2023, he further made his stance clear via Instagram:
He reposted a message stating, “Defending the human rights of Palestinians does not mean you are pro-Hamas,” adding:
“‘Free Palestine’ does not mean you are anti-Semitic … ‘Free Palestine’ means free Palestinians from the Israeli occupation … stop caging 2.3 million Palestinians in the world’s largest open air prison,” among other powerful assertions.
UEFA and FIFA Reactions
- UEFA initially posted a brief message on X (formerly Twitter):
“Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pelé.’ A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.”
The Palestine Football Association later shared a statement from UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin praising al-Obeid’s spirit, but omitted details about how he was killed.
- FIFA, meanwhile, has faced criticism for its silence or lack of decisive action. The PFA and others have called for statements and accountability similar to swift reactions FIFA demonstrated in other geopolitical crises.
Toll on Palestinian and Israeli sportspeople
Palestinian losses:
- Since October 2023, at least 662 individuals from sports and scouting – including athletes and their families – have been killed.
Of these, 421 were connected to football, including over a hundred children.
Additionally, 288 sporting facilities have been damaged or destroyed.
- The Olympic movement also suffered: karate champion Nagham Abu Samra – a rising star expected to compete in Paris 2024 – was killed in January 2024.
- Earlier, by end-2023, around 85 athletes, including 55 footballers, had already been killed.
- Additional cases such as coach Hani al-Masdar, paracyclist Ahmed al-Dali, volleyball players, and footballer Rashid Dabbour further reflect the breadth of the losses.
Israeli losses:
- No well-documented or credible reports surfaced indicating that Israeli sportspeople have been killed in this conflict, suggesting that the fatalities have overwhelmingly been Palestinian.
Conclusion
The killing of Suleiman al-Obeid – the “Palestinian Pelé” – during a humanitarian aid queue is a tragic reminder of how war has engulfed even those who once inspired hope.
Mohamed Salah’s pointed challenge to UEFA reflects deep frustration at silence from sports authorities.
To date, no clear response has come from FIFA. Meanwhile, the devastating human toll – especially among Palestinian athletes and sports officials – continues to mount, underscoring a crisis that has nearly obliterated the vibrant sports community in Gaza.
