This is a list of the best Muslim soccer players who will be on the field in 2022.
Islam, like every other religion, is a universal faith, and its adherents come from many origins. Footballers of the Muslim faith are not limited to your favorite team players like Mesut Ozil and Niasse; there are others who deserve to be mentioned and recognized. As a result, in this post, we will go over a list of the top ten Muslim soccer players.
Top 10 Muslim Soccer Players to Watch in 2022
Soccer is a really international sport. On a grassroots level, millions of young men and women participate. And at the highest level, by well-known players.
It is played in practically every country on the planet. In truth, the majority of players in the English Premier League are foreigners who play for the elite teams. Many soccer players have become Muslims. Some have adopted Muslim names. And some of them are practicing Muslims who also play soccer.
In the realm of sports, one may come across a footballer from a foreign country, with a different culture and religion, which can make everything appear quite natural. Muslim players have long been an important element of the game.
Here is a list of prominent Muslim soccer players who practice Islam while also playing professionally!
Mohamed Salah, No. 1
Right-winger for Liverpool and Egypt Mohamed Salah is one of the most well-known Muslim soccer players in the world. His soccer abilities rival those of any athlete on the planet. And his goal celebrations are equally as impressive as his soccer abilities. As a devoted Muslim, he worships Allah by planting his face into the ground after scoring a goal, much like a Muslim praying. People refer to him as “the Egyptian King” and “the new Messi.” It’s due to his talent and ability to unite fans of different faiths.
He was the standout of Egypt’s national team as they qualified for the World Cup in 2018. During England’s 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup campaign, he was named Man of the Match three times.
Ngolo Kante No. 2
Ngolo Kante is one of the world’s fastest-rising soccer players, presently playing for Chelsea. His first significant victory came in 2021 when Chelsea overcame Manchester City to win the UEFA Champions League. He was named man of the match after a spectacular performance that included a goal and a brilliant assist. Kante won the Premier League in his debut season with Chelsea after joining Leicester City. He has since developed into an important member of the team.
Ngolo Kante is a practicing Muslim in addition to being a superb soccer player. He prays at least five times a day, studies Arabic, and donates to charity on a regular basis.
Riyad Mahrez is third.
Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City is one of the top Muslim soccer players in the world. He made his debut for the club against Arsenal on the first day of the season.
Mahrez, who was born in Sarcelles, France, began his career with Leicester City. For his hard-working style of play, he quickly became a fan favorite. And for taking on opponents with his ball speed.
In his first season with Leicester, he scored dozens of goals and helped the club win their first Premier League title. After scoring a Premier League hat-trick, he was dubbed “the Algerian Jewel.”
Mahrez afterward transferred to Manchester City for a reported million dollars. Since joining the organization, he has scored numerous goals and provided numerous assists.
Former French international Zinedine Zidane, who Mahrez credits with helping him become a great player, is his biggest influence. He also names Cristiano Ronaldo as one of his inspirations, citing Ronaldo’s professionalism on and off the field as an inspiration.
4. Paul Pogba
Since joining Manchester United, the Frenchman has been a revelation. He is one of the world’s most popular Muslim footballers. He has been seen wearing a variety of hairstyles, including cornrows and an undercut with a beard. Pogba’s goal celebrations are incredibly innovative, featuring the “dab” dance and other coordinated movements, in addition to his famed haircuts.
Paul Pogba established himself as one of the greatest players in Manchester United history. This milestone was accomplished by scoring on his debut and winning the FA Cup in his first season.
Furthermore, he has won the Premier League and the Champions League with Chelsea and Manchester United, respectively, which no other player in each club’s history has done. Paul Pogba has really good soccer skills, which he displays every season with some fantastic dribbling maneuvers.
For his on-field accomplishments, the midfielder frequently draws inspiration from his Muslim faith. It has given him a reputation as one of the world’s most recognized football players.
5. Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane is a talented attacking midfielder who blends a quick pace with merciless finishing. Born into a Muslim household in Senegal, he grew up playing soccer on a little dirt field with his brothers and sisters.
Scouts discovered him while he was still very young while playing in a minor league in his hometown. He was then chosen to play for the country’s greatest young development program, which sent him to Europe. He made his professional debut at the age of sixteen. Since then, he has proven his ability as an attacker in practically every league he has played in.
He is well renowned for his speed and ability to close down opportunities. However, he is also noted for his strong work ethic, devotion to Islam’s sport, and love of Islam.
“Islam is a part of me,” he says, and “being Muslim makes me better.” His fans have even composed a song in his honor, which they sing whenever he scores for Liverpool. He frequently praises this support as motivating him to perform well. Fans all across the world admire him for his friendship with Mo Salah.
6. Ilkay Gundogan,
Ilkay Gundogan is a Muslim footballer who now plays for Manchester City and the German national team. He is well-known for his versatility on the field, as well as his passing accuracy and soccer talents. Ilkay was born in the German town of Gelsenkirchen in 1990 to Turkish parents.
On the field, he is known as a hardworking player. While not on it, he has demonstrated himself to be a devout Muslim. Gundogan has stated that he values “Islam’s culture and heritage.” And he utilizes his platform to promote tolerance for all people and religions. He is known for being an ardent opponent of anti-Muslim bigotry, which he calls “unacceptable.”
7. Rudiger, Antonio
Antonio Rudiger is an English Premier League professional Muslim soccer player who currently plays for Chelsea. He is a footballer with a wide range of abilities. People remember him for his tough tackling, quick feet, and strong aerial presence. As a result, he possesses excellent soccer abilities and can play in a variety of positions, including center back, right back, and defensive midfielder.
Antonio was born in Berlin to a Muslim household. He started playing soccer at a young age and excelled at it. It wasn’t long before he piqued the interest of several top-tier football clubs, including RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, VfB Stuttgart, Bayer Leverkusen, and Chelsea, where he presently plays.
8. Saad Benrahma
Said Benrahma is a renowned Muslim soccer player in the world today. He is a member of the Algerian national team as well as the English club West Ham United. He was the third most expensive player in Argentina’s history. And the club regards him as one of their most important players and a significant role in their success.
Sad Benrahma is dubbed “The Magician.” It’s due to his tremendous soccer skills, which allow him to break down any defense. He’s built a name for himself because of his inventive passing skills and amazing ability to fool opponents. After scoring, he says “Allahu Akbar,” which translates to “God is Great” in Arabic. Sad Benrahma, a well-known footballer, is also a devout Muslim who frequently discusses his faith.
9. Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil is a well-known Turkish-German player. With his outstanding ball-handling abilities, he has the capacity to fascinate viewers. Since 2009, he has been involved in the German football league system. And recently completed a permanent move to Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig.
Ozil, a devout Muslim, has shown his devotion to Islam by adopting Islamic principles into his daily life as a practicing Muslim. He is quite proud of his Muslim ancestry. And he has never concealed his devotion to Islam, which he follows by praying five times a day and eating halal meals. He also adores reciting the Qur’an and frequently mentions it on his Twitter account.
10. Karim Benzema,
Karim Benzema is a well-known Muslim footballer. He is a member of the Spanish club Real Madrid as well as the French national squad. He has also played in FIFA World Cups, the UEFA European Championship, and the UEFA Champions League finals. He is well-known for his outstanding shooting abilities.
When it comes to faith, Benzema is honest about his Muslim faith and habits. He and his family performed Hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca in 2016. Meeting people from all around the world who share his faith and views was a life-changing event for him. It has also aided him in becoming more involved in Islamic society.
He also enjoys Islamic teachings, particularly those concerning fasting during Ramadan. In fact, he played multiple games during the month of Ramadan while fasting.
Conclusion:
This page honors all Muslim soccer players who have gained popularity while encountering difficulty because of their religious beliefs. It also encourages young Muslims to pursue their objectives, even if they appear unattainable.
Is there a renowned Muslim footballer we haven’t mentioned? Please let us know so we may include them in our top ten list!
