(CNN) He is Liverpool's star man on the pitch, but Mo Salah's most important work could come in his campaigning for better treatment of women in the Muslim world.

Egyptian Salah is one of the world's top athletes and is well aware of his capacity to bring about change.

The 26-year-old is one of TIME 100's six cover stars on the magazine's annual list of the world's most influential figures -- testament to his impact since returning to the Premier League in 2017.

In an interview with TIME, he stressed the importance of gender equality, while reflecting on his iconic profile in his homeland.

"I think we need to change the way we treat women in our culture," Salah said. "It's not optional.