‘It was my mistake': Salt Bae regrets touching football World Cup, ‘I'll never do it again'

Arabian Business

05-02-2025

In a candid admission, Nusret Gökçe – globally known as 'Salt Bae' for his signature salt-sprinkling gesture – has expressed regret over his controversial appearance on the pitch after the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar.
Speaking to Arabian Business in an exclusive interview, the celebrity chef acknowledged his actions, which included touching and kissing the World Cup trophy, as a mistake.
'I love football, I love Argentina,' Gökçe said, explaining his deep admiration for the sport and the nation. 'The me, it's like a second home. But this was an accident. It was my mistake. Before, I didn't know the rules; now I know the rules. If I knew the rules, I would never have touched the World Cup,' he admitted.
Salt Bae's World Cup incident
The incident, which unfolded during Argentina's celebrations after their dramatic victory over France, saw Salt Bae enter the pitch and interact with players, including Lionel Messi. Videos of him holding and kissing the coveted World Cup trophy went viral, triggering widespread criticism from fans and commentators alike. FIFA rules stipulate that only a select group – including players, coaches and heads of states – are permitted to touch the trophy.
The backlash was immediate. Football purists and casual fans alike voiced outrage on social media, accusing Nusret Gökçe of overstepping boundaries and detracting from the players' historic moment. At the time, one wrote on Twitter, 'He ruined a once-in-a-lifetime moment for the players.' Another commented, 'This was their time to celebrate, not a publicity stunt for Salt Bae.' Others described the act as 'cringey' and 'completely out of line.'
But in an apologetic tone, Salt Bae told Arabian Business, 'I agree, it was my mistake.'
'I understand why people were angry. Some people loved it, some didn't like it, but it doesn't matter. You must follow the rules,' he admitted.
Reflecting on the fallout, Gökçe acknowledged the intense reaction but also noted the enduring attention the incident has garnered. 'Normally, everybody talks about the World Cup for one or two months after the final – but since I touched it, people are still talking about me!' he remarked.
Despite this unintended notoriety, the celebrity chef appears to have learned his lesson. He vowed never to repeat the mistake: 'Next World Cup, if I have the chance, I'll never touch the World Cup. I will go, of course, to the stadium to see the match, but I'll never touch it again.'
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Nusr_et#Saltbae (@nusr_et)
Gökçe rose to fame in 2016 through a viral video showcasing his flamboyant meat-salting technique, earning him the nickname 'Salt Bae.' His popularity catapulted his restaurant empire, with locations spanning from Dubai to Miami, frequented by A-list celebrities and influencers. Today he has more than 30 restaurants in global cities and has garnered more than 70 million followers across his social media platforms.
The incident prompted FIFA to tighten its regulations on pitch access after launching an official investigation; ensuring only authorised personnel are allowed to participate in post-match celebrations.