Pele, Mo Salah, Thierry Henry Among 5 Footballers Who Are Worshipped As Kings

• The green pitch is these footballers' kingdoms and the royal titles are bestowed upon them
• Football stars dominate the sporting world and supporters view them as near-mythological
• From the legendary Pele to Mo Salah and Thierry Henry, these players are sports monarchs

Football monarchy rules supremely, just like the legendary old kings, with their expertise a crown with a brilliant sheen and their feet a sceptre to be adored.

From Brazilian football icon, Pele to Mohamed Salah, garnering a staggering one million votes during the 2018 Egyptian presidential elections, these players have ascended to royalty, adored by fans who hail them with loyalty.

Following the coronation of King Charles III as the 40th British Monarch, Sports Brief takes a look at footballers who have been crowned kings.

Mohamed Salah - Egyptian King

The media and fans have dubbed him 'The Pharaoh', while Liverpool supporters refer to him as the 'Egyptian King'. From his striking boyhood looks to his current reign as a football powerhouse, Salah remains a source of pride for both Egypt and Africa.

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The adoration for the Liverpool forward in his native country is unmatched. In reality, he earned a sizable number of write-in votes from Egyptians who crossed out other candidates' names on their ballots to support him during the 2018 presidential election, according to Bleacher Report.

Despite the fact that Salah wasn't running for office, his popularity among Egyptians is a sign of his influence both on and off the pitch.

Francesco Totti - King of Rome

The iconic Italian playmaker had a plethora of nicknames, but none strikes better than L’Ottavo Re di Roma (The Eighth King of Rome), per TFF.

Totti's unflagging loyalty to the Eternal City, playing for AS Roma, and his remarkable record of over 300 goals secured him a god-like status throughout the city. He embodied the true essence of a one-club legend, revered by fans and admired by rivals alike.

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A World Cup winner in 2006, the 46-year-old called time on his over two-decade career in 2017.

Thierry Henry - 'Igwe' of football

The legendary status of French football legend, Thierry Henry transcends beyond the football pitch. In 2017, at a celebratory banquet organised by Guinness, the ex-Barcelona forward was bestowed the honorary title of 'Igwe of Football' in Nigeria while dressed in traditional Igbo ceremonial garb, ESPN reports.

The new title conferred on Henry cemented his place as a beloved figure among football fans across the globe.

Since calling time on his career, the Frenchman has dabbled between punditry and coaching, with the legendary Arsenal forward flourishing more in the studios than the dugout.

Kenny Dalglish - King Kenny

Another Reds star on the list, Dalglish won a special place in the hearts of the Liverpool fanbase thanks to his contributions to the team both on and off the pitch.

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The Centenary Stand at Anfield was rechristened Kenny Dalglish Stand in his honour in 2017. In 2018, Queen Elizabeth II also knighted him for his contributions to football and philanthropy.

Throughout the course of the Merseyside club's existence, a number of iconic players have graced the pitch at Anfield. Dalglish, who is regarded as one of the finest players to ever don the red shirt, is an example of such a player. With 172 goals in more than 500 games for Liverpool, he cemented his status as a club icon.

Pele - The King

In football, several players are referred to as 'The King'. However, none resonates more than football's first global superstar in, legendary Brazilian Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele.

Due to his tremendous football achievements, he was given the nickname 'O Rei', which translates to 'The King' in Portuguese.

Pele, widely recognised as one of the greatest footballers of all time, had a distinguished career that lasted more than two decades and included countless championships and honours.