Egyptian-born Liverpool player Mo Salah has drawn criticism for a cover photo in which he is shown being hugged by a model.

Alessandra Ambrosio, a former Victoria’s Secret Angel, and Mohamed Salah are featured on the cover of GQ Middle East.

Unlike the first edition, which features them standing side by side, the second edition depicts Ambrosio embracing him from behind, a move that has generated a great deal of criticism.

In a behind-the-scenes film, the performers appear to be having a good time laughing.

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Many wrote in to express their surprise at seeing Salah, a married Muslim man from a more traditional neighbourhood, included in the display.

“Do you have any idea how this would affect a married Muslim woman?” asked a Twitter user.

Few people cared or paid attention to the Liverpool star’s 2019 GQ Man of the Year award because of the event.

Salah faced a barrage of criticism after sharing the two covers on social media, with many of his fans questioning his morality and embarrassing him.

One Instagram user said that you should feel ashamed if you’re a Muslim.

It was customary to minimise the breakdown of Salah’s marriage. Millions of fans worldwide have criticised the football player, yet he has said nothing.

Salah’s pictures were quickly compared to those of other famous Egyptians who had also received harsh punishment for immoral behaviour. Actress Rania Youssef endangered herself by showing off her upper thighs and legs in a dress she wore to a red carpet event. This put her at risk of receiving a five-year prison sentence.

Salah is no stranger to posting private images online; his Instagram feed is replete with candid shots from his everyday life. The GQ episode, however, sheds light on the difficulties he faces in juggling his three identities as a Muslim, an Egyptian, and a global celebrity with a sizable following outside of the Arab world.

Supporters of the striker countered critics of his photo with Ambrosio by claiming that he is now a worldwide fame rather than just an Egyptian one.