Yousef Salech, like millions of children worldwide, had a childhood passion for collecting stickers of his favorite football players.
Now, the Cardiff City striker has a sticker featuring his own image.
The first sticker collection showcasing players from all 72 clubs in the Championship, League One, and League Two was launched just last month, perfectly timed for the Christmas season. Salech wasted no time in acquiring his own sticker.
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“I have one sticker of myself. It’s currently sitting on my bedside table,” he shares. “If I can get more, I think they would make great Christmas gifts for friends or something like that.”
“I remember every year receiving football cards from family, trading them with friends at school and showcasing my collection.”
“It’s amusing to think that now I have my own shiny football sticker to show to friends and family.”
This Christmas, numerous young Cardiff supporters will likely want the same sticker, especially given how Salech has become a fan favorite during his 11 months at the club.
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The 23-year-old is currently tied for second place in the League One scoring chart, having netted seven goals, which have propelled the Bluebirds to the top position.
Salech is also admired for his overall gameplay and dedication. At 6 feet 5 inches tall, he offers a formidable presence in attack, although his coaches and supporters feel he’s sometimes unfairly judged by referees.
“It’s been challenging, but it’s fueled my determination in games,” Salech explains. “I feel like I’ve had to push myself harder and perform better than others to achieve success on the field.”
“I tend to win more aerial duels than outrun opponents, so I have to leverage my strength and play to the best of my ability.”
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“Football is a contact sport when I have possession, so it should be treated the same when my opponents have the ball or during tackles.”
“At times, referees might issue a free-kick, and I may lose a duel too. I just need to keep doing my utmost to help the team succeed and create scoring opportunities.”
Salech has certainly been thriving lately, with six goals in his last 11 matches across all competitions.
This performance continues his impressive streak since joining Cardiff from Swedish club Sirius in January, where he scored nine goals across all competitions, even amid the Bluebirds’ relegation from the Championship.
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Despite speculation about a potential transfer, he has consistently stated his desire to remain in south Wales.
“Cardiff has its own considerations as well; it’s not just about me,” he mentions. “I had to reflect not only on my wish to play in the Championship this season but also what is best for my career in the long run. If I aspire to reach the Premier League one day, I need to think strategically about the next decade.”
“In my view, I have a great opportunity to achieve something meaningful with Cardiff, together with Brian [Barry-Murphy, Cardiff’s head coach] this season, and work towards that ultimate goal.”
“Whether that achievement comes in two years, three, four, five, or even six years, I see potential with Cardiff as well.”