French Championship: Egyptian Mohamed misses Nantes out of commitment to his roots and beliefs.

 

Egyptian striker Mostafa Mohamed justified his absence from Nantes' match against Montpellier on Saturday, the final round of the French Ligue 1, in which he will promote the fight against homophobia, citing his origins and religious beliefs.

The 27-year-old, who has played for Nantes since the summer of 2022 and has scored 19 goals in 80 appearances across all competitions, wrote in an Instagram story in both Arabic and French, "There are deeply rooted values, linked to my origins and faith, that make it difficult for me to participate in this match."

Mohamed has previously refused to participate in events denouncing violence and discrimination against homosexuals over the past two seasons.

He said, "I will not be participating in the Nantes-Montpellier match next Saturday... Today I feel the need to clarify my approach without seeking to fuel the debate. Every person carries within them a history, culture, and sensitivity. Living together also means recognizing that this diversity can be expressed differently depending on the person."

He added, "I believe in mutual respect. The respect we owe to others, but also the respect we owe to ourselves and our beliefs."

The former Zamalek and Galatasaray player emphasized, "This choice is personal. It does not express rejection or judgment, but simply loyalty to what I am built on. I simply hope that this decision will be received calmly and with understanding."

Nantes decided to fine Al-Masry, as it did in 2023, for the same reasons.

Mohamed is absent from a team seeking to secure its first division survival and avoid having to play a two-legged playoff against the winner of the second division playoff between Metz and Dunkirk.

Nantes needs a point from its match against Montpellier, who have already been relegated, to remain in Ligue 1.