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Mohamed Salah’s Final Anfield Appearance: A Defining MomentMohamed Salah will step onto the pitch for the last time in a Liverpool shirt this Sunday against Brentford at Anfield. The 33‑year‑old Egyptian forward announced in March that he will leave the club at the end of the 2025‑26 season, prompting manager Arne Slot to promise a "big send‑off" for a player who has become a cultural touchstone as well as a prolific scorer.Season‑Ending Farewell: Salah’s Last Match and Career HighlightsFinal game: Liverpool vs Brentford, Sunday, AnfieldTenure: 9 seasons (2017‑2026)Departure announced: March 2026Manager’s comment: "deserves a big send‑off" (Slot, May 2026)The farewell match caps a decade of consistency, during which Salah helped Liverpool secure two Premier League titles and consistently challenged for European honors.Statistical Legacy: Goals, Titles, and Awards Across Nine Years250+ goals for Liverpool2 Premier League championships4 Premier League Golden Boots3 PFA Players of the Year awardsMultiple domestic cup victoriesThese figures place Salah among the club’s all‑time greats and underline his role in Liverpool’s resurgence under Jürgen Klopp and now under Slot.Beyond the Pitch: Cultural and Social Influence on Muslim and North African RepresentationJournalists Ahmed Shooble and Maher Mezahi highlight Salah’s impact far beyond statistics. Shooble notes that Salah’s open practice of Islam—most visibly his sujoud celebration—offers a powerful counter‑narrative to rising Islamophobia in the UK and Europe. Mezahi points to Salah’s humble upbringing in Nagrig, Egypt, and his disciplined journey to the top as a blueprint for aspiring North African talent, citing the recent move of Egyptian striker Ibrahim Adel to Danish side Nordsjaelland as evidence of this ripple effect.Future Outlook: Salah’s Role in Egypt’s 2026 World Cup and Post‑Liverpool PathWhile Salah’s club career in England concludes, he will continue to captain the Egypt national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sharing the field with emerging talents inspired by his story. Analysts expect his legacy to influence both player development pipelines in North Africa and the broader conversation about religious identity in elite sport, ensuring his impact endures long after the final whistle at Anfield.

Lead: From On‑Screen Heroine to Real‑World SurvivorIn a candid Guardian interview, Hannah Murray reflects on the paradox of feeling liberated after quitting acting, only to be drawn into a high‑priced wellness cult that jeopardised her mental health. The experience culminated in a psychotic break, a brief hospitalisation, and a subsequent bipolar diagnosis.The cult’s promise and Murray’s descent into its underbellyAt 27, Murray joined an organisation that marketed “wisdom and specialness” for a fee running into thousands of pounds. The group’s charismatic leader, identifiable by a symbolic necklace and a giant Starbucks cup, offered a quick fix for the emptiness Murray felt after years of fame‑driven validation.Initial attraction: desire for lasting “specialness” beyond acting roles.Practices: meditation, gratitude diaries, and “spiritual” workshops.Cost: substantial financial outlay combined with escalating mental strain.The hidden price tag and mental‑health falloutThe cult’s financial demands were matched by a severe psychological toll. Murray experienced a catastrophic psychotic episode, leading to a brief stay in an acute mental‑health unit where she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.Impact: What Murray’s story reveals about the wellness industry’s lure for young creativesHer narrative underscores a broader vulnerability: young, high‑profile individuals often seek quick‑fix solutions to the pressures of fame, making them prime targets for exploitative “wellness” enterprises. Murray notes a lack of critical scrutiny surrounding the industry’s promises, which are frequently presented as universally benign.Future outlook: Growing calls for accountability and mental‑health advocacyAs more public figures share similar experiences, the wellness sector may face increased regulatory attention and a push for transparent, evidence‑based practices. Murray’s memoir adds momentum to a cultural conversation about protecting vulnerable talent from predatory self‑help movements.

The LeadGame of Thrones actress Hannah Murray shares her experience of being sectioned in a psychiatric hospital in her new memoir "The Make-Believe: A Memoir of Magic and Madness." The actress describes her mental health journey and the experience of being involuntarily admitted under the Mental Health Act.The Hospital ExperienceThe door to the room opens. A man enters the room. He is a Black man, bald and overweight. He is dressed in uniform. Blue uniform, a blue lanyard that reads "NHS". But I know Steve, the leader of the organisation that introduced me to magic, is a magician. I know he can appear in disguise.I approach the man and try to kiss him.He does not let me kiss him. Then no. It is not Steve.The man has brought me a plate of toast. He has brought me a cup of tea. I add sugar to the tea, which I would never have done in my former life, but a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down!I am a Ritual Master. And this, drinking my own urine, is a powerful ritual. This is all I need now to survive … I will never need to eat again. I survive on liquids and air and lightI do not eat the toast. I drink the tea. I am alone in the room again and I urinate into the cup and drink that too.I am a Ritual Master. And this, drinking my own urine, is a powerful ritual. This is all I need now to survive. It is the most potent of potions I can drink. I am a self-contained, utterly self-sufficient being. I will never need to eat again. I survive on liquids and air and light.I decide to explore outside the room. Outside my sanctuary. He has not come. So maybe I need to go searching for him …The Phone CallTime jumps. I am in a corridor lit by overhead strip lights. The electric light is pale yellow in tone. I am sat on one of three chairs in a row against the wall. The chairs are purple, curved plastic. I am still waiting for him to appear.There are two doors in front of me. One is the door to the blue room with the blue sofa and chair. Behind the other door is an office of some kind, and there is a woman in there, shuffling papers and talking on the phone.The woman comes out of the office. She is holding out my phone. My only possession now – the one artefact from my previous life. There is someone she wants me to speak to.Him.When I hold the phone to my ear, I hear a voice I recognise.But the voice belongs to my mother."Hannah?" she says. "Where are you? What's going on?"There is distress in her voice. Her voice is trembling with pain and anxiety.I do not want to hear it.This is a test. A horrible test, certainly, but one that I can pass. They are trying to tempt me back into the human. They are trying to lure me back into the past.I hang up the phone.But, after a moment, it starts to ring. The word Mum lights up the screen."Talk to her," says the woman.I answer the call.My mother sounds different now. Calmer. She asks again what's going on but gently, even cheerfully. I tell her everything's OK. That I'm fine. I tell her not to worry. I'm in a good place.This is the last time I will ever hear her voice, I think. This is the way I say goodbye.The DiagnosisThey tell me I am being sectioned.The words jar with my beliefs."Section 2 … the Mental Health Act … 28 days … right to appeal … "I cock my head.This does not fit at all. It does not fit in the world of Steve, of Ritual Master, of Shambhala and the invention of magic.I am not concerned. I am concerned only with the energy I can feel spiralling up through my body and the voices I can hear in my head.I pace the hospital corridors, delivering a tearful monologue, delivering the greatest performance of my life. A phrase comes to me. The Girl With All the Gifts. The title of a post-apocalyptic horror film released in 2016, starring Gemma Arterton.I am a magician. I am an actress. I am a writer. I have superhuman strength. I can fly. Anything that can be imagined, I can perform it. Every skill and every ability is mine.The film came out as a warning, and a prophecy.And because of me, the apocalypse has been averted.I am the saviour of the planet. I am the girl with all the gifts.The Journey to RecoveryIt was very hard, the journey to get here. It took 27 years. The path was twisting and full of setbacks, there were challenges and so much pain. There were times I wanted to give up. It was very hard. Everyone will have to make their own journey, and their journeys will be their own, unique as snowflakes or fingerprints. That is the beauty of it, the joy of it. Everyone has to figure it out for themselves.But I have laid the groundwork. I have walked the path. It starts with the energy healing, and it goes on and on through the seven dimensions, through increasingly magical planes. It goes on and on until you meet your soulmate, like I met mine.I was in a TV show called Game of Thrones, hidden in plain sight in the midst of a cultural phenomenon. I, the key to the world's salvation, wore the face of a character called Gilly, but really I played every role. Then I worked on a film called Detroit in Boston. David Benioff and Dan Weiss and Kathryn Bigelow were the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Numbers are irrelevant. Three counts as four. David and Dan and Kathryn cast me in the roles that brought about my destiny. The end and beginning of the world.I am the Ur-actress. I am every actress. Every performance ever given has been animated by my energy, my talent, by the gestures and facial expressions I am performing here and now.The Memoir and BeyondThis is an edited extract from The Make-Believe: A Memoir of Magic and Madness by Hannah Murray, published by Cornerstone (£18.99). To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.Hannah Murray will be in conversation with Jessie Cave at Kings Place in London on 5 June.

Roughed up by Ramos Mohamed Salah's Liverpool career has been marked by significant moments, including his reaction to being injured by Sergio Ramos in the Champions League final, which showcased his impact on the English game and the respect he had earned. Persistence pays off against Spurs in 2019 Salah's determination and persistence were key factors in Liverpool's success, as seen in their 2019 match against Tottenham, where he played a crucial role in securing a win. Keeping his cool to set up glory in Madrid Salah's penalty in the 2019 Champions League final against Tottenham was a pivotal moment, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and help Liverpool secure their sixth European Cup. Turning doubters to believers Salah's goal against Manchester United in the 2019-20 season was a significant moment, helping to convince fans that Liverpool could win the league, and ultimately contributing to their title win. Weaving magic against Manchester City Salah's goal against Manchester City in 2021 was a testament to his skill and creativity, as he weaved past four defenders to score a crucial goal for Liverpool.

The Rural Revival Initiative Once upon a time, every German village had its own Tante Emma laden (Aunt Emma shop), a family-run hub of community life where local people bought their groceries at affordable prices and socialized with their neighbors. These traditional village stores have faced significant challenges in recent years, including staffing shortages, competition from supermarket chains, and rising inflation exacerbated by geopolitical tensions like the Iran war. The Hybrid Solution In response to these challenges, governments in several German regions have introduced innovative solutions. In Rhineland-Palatinate, where the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) achieved nearly 20% in a recent state election—a record in a west German region—officials are implementing hybrid village stores. These retrofitted existing businesses allow villagers over 18 to shop autonomously during off-hours using electronic fobs or cards, enabling 24/7 access with reduced labor costs. Community Impact and Economic Viability The hybrid model addresses multiple challenges simultaneously. By operating continuously with lower staffing requirements, these shops can generate more revenue and remain economically viable. Irmtraut Ehtechame, 68, manager of a hybrid village store in Seibersbach, explained how her business was on the brink of closure before adopting this model: "I had written a cry for help that our shop wasn't going to make it because we kept slipping into the red, between energy price hikes from the Ukraine war and the minimum wage increase." Political Implications The decline of village stores is increasingly viewed as a contributing factor to rural disaffection that has driven voters toward political extremes. The AfD's significant gains in Rhineland-Palatinate have prompted officials to address the underlying issues in rural communities. Volker Bulitta, who leads an advisory program sponsored by the Rhineland-Palatinate government, emphasizes that stores like Seibersbach's would not survive without state aid in remote areas where online deliveries aren't feasible. Community Resilience The hybrid stores have become more than just retail spaces—they've revitalized community connections. Frank Wilhelm, a retired auto mechanic, appreciates both the convenience and the social aspect: "I still prefer to shop here when it's staffed and see the ladies," he said, referring to Ehtechame and her team. Groups like the "robust retirees" in Seibersbach have organized to help elderly neighbors with deliveries and maintain community spaces, demonstrating how these stores serve as anchors for rural social life. Future Outlook The hybrid village store model represents a potential blueprint for preserving community infrastructure in economically challenged rural areas. With initial investments typically ranging between €30,000 and €50,000 per store, the program offers a cost-effective approach to maintaining essential services while potentially mitigating the political polarization that has taken root in Germany's countryside. As similar models are considered in other regions, the success of these hybrid stores could determine the future of rural community life across Europe.

The Devastating Impact of Coastal Erosion The remains of the road linking two towns in south Devon lie crumbled on the foreshore in a mess of tarmac, steel, and concrete. The dramatic coastal road, known as the Slapton Line, has an environmentally protected freshwater lake on one side and the sea on the other, and links the towns of Kingsbridge and Dartmouth. The Event Details Winter storms demolished a section of the A road between Torcross and Slapton, which is at the frontline of rising sea levels and coastal erosion, fulfilling a destiny that was predicted more than 30 years ago, but that has not been prepared for. The Data Analysis Over 10,000 properties are at risk from coastal erosion in the next 80 years. Up to 20,000 properties are at risk according to some calculations. At least 3.7 miles (6km) of railways and 114 miles of roads are at risk. The East Riding of Yorkshire is experiencing some of the highest rates of coastal erosion in Europe, with soft cliffs of boulder clay at Holderness retreating at rates of up to 4.5 metres per year. The Impact Analysis Communities across the UK are at the forefront of an eroding coastline, with the retreat accelerated by the climate crisis. The government is running a £36m series of pilot projects that have been extended this year with another £18m, where attempts are being made to help communities come to terms with the reality of their future, adapt, and leverage enhanced financial support. The Prediction In Norfolk, the impact of the climate emergency and sea level rise on the 21 miles of soft cliffs is likely to cause the loss of up to 1,600 homes in 80 years. In Yorkshire, 30 miles of the East Riding coast are designated as “no active intervention”, with almost 5,000 homes (one third of all homes), 1,550 non-residential properties, and much of the coastal road network projected to be lost in 80 years.

Season’s Grand Finale Sets the StageThe final round of the Premier League arrives on Sunday with all ten matches starting at the same time, creating a dramatic climax that intertwines title celebrations, European qualification battles, and a relegation scrap.Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Aston Villa have already secured the four Champions League berths.The bottom‑table fight narrows to two London clubs: Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.Key storylines include Mohamed Salah’s farewell at Liverpool and Pep Guardiola’s exit from City. Arsenal Secures First Title in 22 YearsArsenal’s championship, their first since 2004, will be formally lifted after the match at Crystal Palace. The title was confirmed when Manchester City failed to win at Bournemouth, removing any mathematical chance of a late comeback.Manager Mikel Arteta admitted he missed watching City’s game, opting instead for a family barbecue. His son Gabriel delivered the news of the triumph, prompting an emotional reaction from Arteta.Arteta described the victory as “one of the best feelings” of his six‑and‑a‑half‑year tenure and hinted at a potential Champions League final win later in May. Points, Positions and the Relegation MathThe relegation picture is stark: only one of the two London clubs will go down.Tottenham Hotspur sit 17th on 38 points, two ahead of West Ham United who are 18th.Spurs are only at risk if they lose at home to Everton and West Ham win against Leeds United.West Ham’s inferior goal difference means they also need help from Everton to stay up. European Qualification Stakes and Club FuturesBeyond the title, the battle for the remaining Champions League and Europa League places intensifies.Liverpool need only a point against Brentford to lock down fifth place.Bournemouth sit six points behind Liverpool but remain in contention thanks to a 17‑game unbeaten run.Aston Villa could open a sixth English Champions League slot if they finish fifth, which would require a Liverpool win and a Villa loss at Manchester City.If Villa finish fourth, the extra slot disappears and the sixth place drops to the Europa League, with Brighton & Hove Albion as the most realistic challenger. What the Final Day Could Reshape English FootballThe outcomes on Sunday will define the landscape for the next season:Arsenal will celebrate a historic title, potentially boosting their marketability and attracting new talent.A relegation for either Tottenham or West Ham will reshape the financial and competitive balance of the London clubs.Salah’s final Premier League appearance could influence Liverpool’s transfer strategy and squad morale.Guardiola’s departure marks the end of a decade‑long era at City, opening the door for a new managerial direction, with Enzo Maresca tipped as a leading candidate.

Escalating Protests Threaten Bolivia’s Political StabilityProtests that began in early May have swollen into a nationwide crisis, with barricades encircling La Paz and dozens of pickets operating simultaneously. Demonstrators are demanding the immediate resignation of President Rodrigo Paz, accusing him of abandoning the country’s structural problems.Mass Blockades and Demands for President Paz’s ResignationSince May 6, hundreds of protesters have erected roadblocks that now surround the capital, maintaining an average of 20 simultaneous pickets each day. The movement has secured backing from the Bolivian Workers’ Union (COB) and other historic social organisations, while former President Evo Morales leads a 190‑km march toward La Paz.Key grievances include repeal of a controversial land‑classification law, compensation for damaged vehicles, and a financial bonus for teachers.Indigenous groups from the highlands are using road blockades to force a political turnover.Government response: no state of emergency declared; authorities are opening limited humanitarian corridors for food and medicine.Casualties, Detentions and Economic Disruptions: The Numbers So Far120+ people detained during the latest wave of unrest (Monday).11 injuries reported among protesters and police.School classes suspended in several districts; public transport disrupted across La Paz and El Alto.President Paz won the 2025 election with 55% of the vote; the former MAS secured only 3%.Six months into the presidency, the administration has eliminated a tax on large fortunes and cut fuel subsidies, actions that sparked further anger.Underlying Grievances: Indigenous and Working‑Class DiscontentAnalysts point to a deeper rift between the new centrist government and the Indigenous and working‑class sectors that helped elect Paz. The president’s cabinet lacks Indigenous representation, and recent policy moves—such as approving genetically modified seed laws and aligning with the United States and Israel—are viewed as favouring business elites.Economic indicators have also deteriorated: declining gas exports, a shortage of US dollars and rising inflation have eroded the prosperity achieved under the former MAS regime.Possible Paths Forward: Dialogue, Power‑Sharing or Further TurmoilGovernment officials say they will pursue a dual strategy: dialogue with legitimate social sectors and legal action against groups deemed to threaten democracy. Proposals on the table include creating a ministry that incorporates social organisations and establishing a broader "social pact" to address long‑standing exclusions.However, if negotiations stall, the risk of intensified violence—already evident in clashes between miners armed with dynamite and police—remains high, potentially prompting a harsher security crackdown or, conversely, a political reshuffle that could reshape Bolivia’s power structure.

The Familiar FinalYou could be forgiven for having a sense of deja vu before a fourth Champions League final between the Spanish champions, Barcelona, and French champions, Lyonnes, on Saturday evening.The three-time champions and eight-time champions played each other in the final of Europe's premier competition three times in six years between 2019 and 2024, with Lyonnes earning a 4-1 win over the Catalan giants in 2019 and a 3-1 win in 2022 before Barcelona delivered a 2-0 defeat of the French side in 2024.However, predicting the outcome could not be harder and Barcelona's talismanic No 11, Alexia Putellas, said there is little that can be discerned from those previous meetings. "We can't compare seasons and we can't compare finals," said the two-time Ballon d'Or winner. "Our squad has evolved a lot, so previous finals don't have an influence on the final we are playing tomorrow."The Tactical Chess MatchA lot has changed. Most notably, Lyonnes are now managed by Jonatan Giráldez, who was a coach at Barcelona as they claimed their maiden UWCL title and at the helm for their second and third. Few managers are better equipped to return Lyonnes to the top of European football after a three-year hiatus than the man who understands the way Barça work and exactly how they ended the domination of the French side.As a result, the tactical approach of those on the sidelines is perhaps the most interesting piece of the puzzle in Oslo's Ullevaal Stadion.Giráldez said of Barça's development since he left: "They have some different players but their identity remains the same; this will to dominate and apply pressure. Not thinking about the result as much as about the show and the performance, that's their identity. I feel privileged to face Barcelona as I'm grateful for the experience I had there and I wish them the best – except when we have to win!"Master and ApprenticeOne of Giráldez's two assistants, Pere Romeu, replaced him when he departed for Washington Spirit in June 2024. "We are the two teams that have done the most in this competition to reach the final in recent years," said Romeu. "Tomorrow is going to be a very demanding match. Tomorrow is going to be a match with a lot of quality from both teams. Tomorrow is going to be a match that, as in all finals, is going to be decided by small details. We are going to try to take care of and control it to the maximum."The 32-year-old Barcelona manager won a domestic treble in his first season in charge, but fell short in the Champions League final last season as Arsenal delivered a shock defeat."I see a team that is more mature than last season," said Romeu. "I see a team with greater capacity to change things during the game than last season and I think we have reached a good point."Putellas described Romeu as a "complete coach", before the showdown on Saturday. "We've been working together for several seasons now and he has always tried to help me evolve as a player, which I'm very grateful for," she said. "He's the most complete coach. This season I've tried to do the best I possibly can without forgetting my own qualities in order to help the team."Romeu is relishing the master-apprentice battle in such a significant game. "I, as a coach, am super-excited to be able to face this match against a former coach of the club in Jonatan," he said. "I'm sure we'll both do everything we can to keep our teams' identities and keep doing the best we can to win."Dominate DomesticallyBarcelona secured another domestic treble on Saturday with a 3-1 Copa de la Reina final win over Atlético Madrid in their final game before travelling to Norway. Meanwhile, Lyonnes are one game away from their own domestic treble, having dispatched Nantes with an emphatic 8-0 win in the semi-final of the Premiere Ligue play-offs, with the final between the holders and Paris FC, taking place next Friday.The Lyonnes midfielder Lily Yohannes told Uefa that the club "just have so much hunger in us," after their three-year European dry spell. "We have so much fight. No matter what happens, we stick together, we rise above the challenges, and we just have such a winning mentality in the group."The 35-year-old centre-back Wendie Renard, who has been involved in each of the club's record eight Champions League wins, similarly spoke about a togetherness and desire in the team after a disappointing European run last season."If I had to sum up our journey this season: dedication," she told Uefa. "A Champions League campaign never comes easy, from one game to another. We've also had doubts and fears at times, but the squad has remained strong, and we've kept focusing on work and humility and performed well together."The Midfield BattleThe midfield battle will be key, with the impact of Melchie Dumornay, who was the difference maker in their semi-final fightback against Arsenal, critical for Lyonnes and Barcelona unsure of the readiness of the three-time Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, who is "feeling better every day", according to Romeu, but has not played 90 minutes for the team since November and only played 18 minutes of the Copa de la Reina final.Contrasting StylesThe Champions League final will ultimately be a contest between two different ways of playing, Barcelona's slick tiki-taka football and the more aggressive way Lyonnes play. Both cannot dominate possession in this game, one will have to cede it and find a different way to win. That is what makes it an enthralling fixture.