Mohamed Salah’s journey with Trabzonspor in the Europa League will have a special twist. The Egyptian forward will face a familiar face from his Liverpool days after Ferencváros eliminated Górnik Zabrze and secured its place in the playoff round of the European competition.

The result confirmed the matchup between Trabzonspor and Ferencváros, with a place in the league phase of the competition at stake.

And waiting on the other side will be Naby Keïta.

Salah and the Guinean midfielder spent five seasons together at Anfield and were part of one of the most successful periods in the English club’s recent history.

Salah and Keïta, From Teammates to Rivals

Naby Keïta joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2018, just one year after Salah arrived in England.

During five seasons together, they won almost everything: the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

The numbers also reflect the connection they developed on the field.

Keïta made 129 appearances for Liverpool and shared the pitch with Salah on 114 occasions. The pair directly combined for seven goals: the Egyptian assisted the Guinean four times, while Keïta returned the favor on three occasions.

One of their most memorable matches together came in October 2021.

In Liverpool’s historic 5-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, Salah assisted Keïta for the opening goal before the midfielder returned the favor for one of the Egyptian’s three goals that afternoon.

Now, they will be on opposite sides.

A New European Challenge for Salah

After bringing his historic spell with Liverpool to an end, Mohamed Salah surprised many by choosing Trabzonspor as the next destination of his career.

The Egyptian arrived as a free agent after mutually agreeing with the Reds to terminate the final year of his contract, closing a chapter that established him as one of the greatest players in the club’s history.

Trabzonspor finished third in the Turkish league last season, meaning its path in Europe goes through the Europa League.

For Salah, it will also be an unusual stage. The forward had spent years competing regularly in the Champions League and has not played in the Europa League since his final season with AS Roma in 2016-17.

Now, he must overcome one final obstacle to reach the league phase.

Ferencváros Stands in the Way

Ferencváros eliminated Górnik Zabrze to confirm a matchup that will carry extra significance because of the reunion between Salah and Keïta.

The Guinean joined the Hungarian club in January 2025 following a difficult spell with Werder Bremen, initially arriving on loan.

Years after sharing a dressing room at Anfield, the two will meet again in European competition.

Only this time, they will not be fighting for the same objective.

Mohamed Salah wants to lead Trabzonspor into the league phase of the Europa League.

Naby Keïta will be one of the obstacles standing in his way.

From teammates and champions with Liverpool to rivals fighting for a place in Europe.

Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live for free on YouTube