Fasting during Ramadan is a challenge, but it's even trickier for athletes. Despite the obstacles, many Muslim athletes have >maintained their fasts during important sports events and competitions. And, well, that seemed to be the case at the Champions League final on Saturday.
Or else why would Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp address the matter? During a press conference, the German football manager said he has no "problem with the fast of my players. I respect their religion, they were always wonderful and they offered the best whether they were fasting or not."
"There are days when Sadio Mane or Mohamed Salah came into the dressing room because they were praying," he added.
Egyptian footballer Mo Salah has been quite silent about his plans to fast during this year's final; unlike last year when he >broke his fast for the annual competition. During this year's match, several photos of Salah drinking water during the game circulated online, with captions assuming the footballer was "breaking his fast."
The photo was taken 39 minutes into the game, which would have been 9:39 p.m. in Madrid, the city where the game was held. That would have been iftar time in the Spanish city on Saturday.
However, whether or not Salah was actually fasting remains unconfirmed by the player himself, though several media outlets have confirmed the matter.
Over the weekend, Liverpool F.C. took home the golden trophy after its 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur - in what became the English club's first Champions League crown since 2005, according to The Washington Post.
"Everybody is happy now! I'm very glad to play the second final in a row and the full 90 minutes, finally," Salah >said following the match.
Last year, the Egyptian forward was forced out of the final match versus Real Madrid just 31 minutes into the game. This happened after Salah suffered ligament damage in his shoulder due to a >controversial challenge by Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos. Liverpool lost the match 3-1 that night.
But, his performance this year was exactly what fans wanted to see in 2018. In the opening minutes of the game, Salah scored a penalty kick - which has been dubbed "controversial" by many. Regardless, he scored big and Liverpool fans celebrated in pride and glory.