From statements by prominent football stars to coordinated fan displays in stadiums, the response from the international sports community since October 2023 underscores how sport has become a powerful avenue for justice and human rights advocacy.
Egyptian footballers react
Mohamed Salah urged world leaders to "prevent further slaughter of innocent souls," following an explosion at Al-Ahli Arab Hospital that killed hundreds.
Salah also changed his social media profile picture to an image of himself at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, a gesture that quickly went viral.
In August 2025, Salah publicly criticized UEFA’s tribute to Palestinian footballer Suleiman Al-Obeid, asking, “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” after the European body failed to mention he had been killed by Israeli forces while waiting for humanitarian aid.
Former Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny changed his Instagram profile picture to an image of the Palestinian flag and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
This act sparked backlash, with reports in the British media revealing that the Egyptian international faced criticism, particularly from some of the club's Jewish fans.
Egyptian striker Ahmed 'Kouka' Hassan, who currently plays for Al-Ettifaq after a stint with Turkish club Pendikspor, shared images of war victims in Gaza on X (formerly Twitter) to raise awareness among his followers. He also criticized Western media for labelling Palestinians as terrorists, arguing that they were simply fighting back with the bit of weaponry they had.
"The Western media claimed that 40 babies were beheaded, but there’s no photographic or video evidence to support that. It’s just another false story," Kouka wrote.
"I’m against anyone who kills civilians or innocent people, but the real terrorists are those bombing 2 million people - 40% of whom are children - cutting off their water, electricity, and fuel, using internationally banned gases, and calling them human animals."
In solidarity with the Palestinian cause, former Ipswich Town midfielder Sam Morsy, who now plays for Kuwait SC, reposted an image on X with the message: "Never be silent... Free Palestine."
Morsy has been one of the most vocal players condemning Israel and showing solidarity with the Palestinians.
Former Aston Villa and Trabzonspor winger Mahmoud "Trezeguet" Hassan, now at Ahly, and Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed posted on Instagram in support of the Palestinians.
Boycott calls
As of September 2025, calls for Israel's suspension from international football competitions are intensifying.
UN experts have urged both FIFA and UEFA to take action against Israeli teams. At the same time, Turkey, alongside a coalition of 48 high-profile athletes, including footballer Paul Pogba and cricketer Moeen Ali, has issued a statement calling for UEFA to suspend Israel from all tournaments.
Additionally, more than 300 Palestinian sports clubs have called for Israel’s exclusion from the Olympics, citing its actions in Gaza.
Former French footballer Eric Cantona has called for a boycott of Israeli participation in international football.
At a benefit concert for Palestine in September 2025, Cantona, who played for Manchester United and France, argued that football is not just a sport, but a political and cultural statement as well.
He pointed to the suspension of Russia from international football following the invasion of Ukraine, suggesting that Israel should face the same consequences.
More stars speak out
Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a "genocide in real time," urging global action.
“We are witnessing a live, ongoing genocide in which thousands of children have already died and many more may still perish,” Guardiola said in a video message.
“The Gaza Strip is devastated, and masses of people wander without direction, without food, drinking water, or medicine.”
He called on what he described as a "cyber-urbanized society" to help save lives and demand urgent international intervention, voicing support for a major demonstration planned in Barcelona.
Former Germany international Mesut Özil has also consistently shown support for the Palestinian cause.
In 2023, he posted “Stop the war” with the hashtag #FreePalestine, adding: “Praying for humanity. Praying for peace.”
While playing for Turkey’s Fenerbahçe in 2021, Özil and teammates wore “Free Palestine” t-shirts in a widely shared pre-match statement.
Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, then at Manchester City, held the Palestinian flag in a 2023 social media post after a win over Cape Verde, accompanied by the caption: “We want peace.”
Mahrez had previously raised the flag during the 2021 crisis, using the hashtags #Palestine and #SaveSheikhJarrah.
Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema also added his voice during the 2023 conflict, writing: “All our prayers for the inhabitants of Gaza who are once again victims of these unjust bombings which spare no women or children.” His message garnered more than 618,000 likes and 50 million views.
Palestine 24/7
Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has publicly shown support for Gaza, raising awareness about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
"It's hard not to feel helpless in the face of such a great tragedy, but we can't stand by and do nothing," Hamilton wrote.
The British driver emphasized the worsening situation in Gaza: "In the past two years, over 10% of the population has been killed or injured, including tens of thousands of children. The latest onslaught has forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes, while hospitals are overwhelmed with the wounded and those suffering from hunger."
NBA star Kyrie Irving, who has long been outspoken in his support of Palestinians, was again in the spotlight over the weekend for his symbolic show of solidarity.
At a Dallas Mavericks game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Irving wore a keffiyeh - a traditional Palestinian scarf - during both the game and the post-game press conference.
Despite his previous controversial statements on the issue, Irving did not discuss his attire, and no questions were asked about it by the media.
Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur has faced personal backlash for her vocal support of Palestine. Jabeur, a UN World Food Programme ambassador since 2024, has utilised her social media platforms to draw attention to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. She revealed that she has been subjected to bullying, even being called a "terrorist," for her stance.
The three-time Grand Slam finalist admitted that the ongoing conflict in Gaza has deeply affected her emotionally, particularly after she met with the WFP, where she learned about the devastating impact on civilians. "I think about Palestine 24/7," she said. "The destruction, killings, and starvation are heartbreaking."
Solidarity across the stadiums
European clubs have also been visible in their backing. Celtic FC’s Green Brigade fan group has repeatedly defied UEFA sanctions and club warnings to display Palestinian flags.
During a 2023 Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid, thousands of flags filled the stands at Celtic Park.
Paris Saint-Germain fans mounted one of the most prominent tributes in November 2024, unveiling a 50-by-20-metre banner reading “Free Palestine” featuring the Dome of the Rock and Palestinian flags. French officials later criticised the display.
In Turkey, clubs including Fenerbahçe and Bursaspor have taken similar stances. Fenerbahçe players wore “Free Palestine” t-shirts before matches, while Bursaspor supporters produced a large-scale Palestinian flag tifo during a game in January 2025.
The Algerian Football Federation also offered to host all Palestinian home matches and cover related costs. In October 2023, it suspended all football competitions in solidarity with Palestinians.
Supporters across Europe have also participated in coordinated shows of support. More than 150 supporter groups joined solidarity campaigns in Spain, while fans of Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad displayed banners during matches.
At San Mamés stadium, Bilbao fans held banners calling for a ceasefire and recognition of the Palestinian suffering.
In January 2025, Bursaspor fans unfurled a massive Palestinian flag display in Turkey.
In Brazil, fans from São Paulo FC’s Independente group travelled to Palestinian refugee camps and sports centres in the West Bank as part of the “Show Israel the Red Card” campaign.
Heavy toll on Palestinian sports
The impact on Palestinian sport has been severe. According to the Palestinian Football Association, more than 800 athletes and sports officials have been killed in Gaza since October 2023.
Among the dead:
- Suleiman Al-Obeid, often referred to as the "Palestinian Pelé"
- Majid Abu Marakhil, an Olympian
- Ahmad al-Dali, a Paralympian
- Hani Al-Masdar, coach of the Olympic football team
The Association reports that 264 sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed, 184 completely and 81 partially, representing around 90 percent of Gaza’s sports infrastructure.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: