Football is the world’s most popular sport — the game that fills streets from Cairo to Jakarta and makes kids dream of playing in the Champions League. In many places, the sport is closely tied to faith. Stadiums echo with prayers, goal celebrations turn into moments of worship, and training routines adapt during Ramadan.
Among today’s elite, Muslim football players stand out not only for their ability but for how openly they share their beliefs. Mohamed Salah drops to the ground in sujud after almost every goal. Paul Pogba has shown photos from his pilgrimage to Mecca. Karim Benzema and Sadio Mané speak frequently about fasting and prayer while competing at the very top. These gestures reach millions who see themselves reflected in their heroes.
This article highlights ten of the most famous Muslim footballers — names that matter both in football history and within the global Muslim community.
1. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah is the face of Muslim football today. Since arriving at Liverpool in 2017, he has lifted the Premier League, Champions League, and multiple Golden Boots, becoming a hero across continents. His connection to Islam is visible every time he scores — Salah bows in sujud, a prayer of gratitude, in front of roaring crowds. During Ramadan, he maintains his fast even on matchdays, a discipline that inspires respect far beyond Egypt.
For many fans, Salah’s impact is cultural as much as sporting. In his home village of Nagrig, parents name their children after him. In England, chants of “If he scores another few, then I’ll be Muslim too” once echoed around Anfield. Few players today embody the link between football and faith as strongly as Salah. For more on his global popularity, check out our piece on the best Mohamed Salah wallpapers.
2. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane is one of football’s greatest names, remembered for leading France to World Cup glory in 1998 and lifting the Champions League as both a player and a coach with Real Madrid. Born in Marseille to Algerian Berber parents, Zidane grew up in a Muslim household. He has described himself as a “non-practicing Muslim,” but his background has always been part of his story.
On the pitch, Zidane’s elegance and control made him a symbol of French football, while off the pitch his identity as the son of immigrants who reached the very top resonated with communities across Europe and North Africa. His faith may be personal and less visible than that of players like Salah, but it remains a subject of curiosity among fans.
3. Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba made his breakthrough with Juventus and later became the most expensive player in the world when he returned to Manchester United in 2016. Known for his flair and charisma, Pogba has also been outspoken about his Muslim faith. He has shared moments of prayer on social media and posted photos from his pilgrimage to Mecca.
In an interview, Pogba explained how he came to Islam: “I was not forced to follow a religion. My mother is Muslim, my father is Christian. I had many Muslim friends who prayed together. One day, I went with them. I felt something that I had never felt. From there, I stopped more.” (Source: Soccer Tribe). He added that he often relies on the prayer of consultation when making big life decisions: “I leave my trust in Allah, and then I make my decision.”
Pogba’s career has recently been overshadowed by injuries and a doping ban, which kept him out of action for two years and led to his contract termination with Juventus. Now 32, he has signed with Monaco, hoping to restart his career after the long absence. His faith, however, continues to be a source of strength and identity through difficult times.
4. Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema has scored over 490 career goals, including 354 for Real Madrid, 66 for Lyon, and 38 for Al-Ittihad, making him one of the most prolific goalscorers in football history. He also netted 66 goals in 97 appearances for the French national team. With Real Madrid, he lifted five Champions League titles and was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2022.
Born in Lyon to Algerian parents, Benzema has always embraced his Muslim faith. He has spoken about the importance of Ramadan, explaining that fasting during matches never weakened his performances but instead gave him inner strength.
In 2023, Benzema left Madrid after 14 years to join Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, a move that highlighted the growing pull of the Saudi Pro League. His time in the Middle East has brought mixed results, with criticism of his fitness and form, but he remains a cultural icon and a proud representative of Muslim players worldwide.
5. Sadio Mané
Sadio Mané is one of Africa’s biggest football stars. During his time at Liverpool, he scored 120 goals, won the Premier League and Champions League, and formed a deadly partnership with Mohamed Salah. Known for his humility, Mané frequently performs sujud after scoring, a gesture of gratitude that became a signature celebration at Anfield.
Outside the pitch, Mané is celebrated for his generosity. He has built schools, a hospital, and even provided free internet in his home village of Bambali in Senegal. Speaking about fame and wealth, he once said to TéléDakar: “Why would I want ten Ferraris, twenty watches, and two planes? What would that do for the world? I prefer to build schools and give poor people food or clothing.”
After leaving Liverpool, Mané had a spell at Bayern Munich before moving to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he continues to play at a high level and remains a proud representative of Muslim footballers worldwide.
6. Mesut Özil
Mesut Özil was one of the most gifted playmakers of his generation, shining at Real Madrid before becoming a fan favorite at Arsenal, where he won four FA Cups. Born in Germany to Turkish parents, Özil has always been open about his Muslim faith, frequently sharing images of himself praying before matches.
In 2019, Özil publicly criticized China’s treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority, sparking international debate and even leading to Arsenal’s games being censored on Chinese television. He explained that his religion was central to his values of justice and compassion.
In 2023, Özil retired from professional football but remains a respected voice on social issues and a role model for young Muslim athletes.
7. N’Golo Kanté
N’Golo Kanté is one of the most beloved players in world football. Known for his tireless work rate, he helped Leicester City achieve their miraculous 2016 Premier League title before moving to Chelsea, where he won another league, the Champions League, and became a World Cup champion with France in 2018.
Despite his global fame, Kanté is famously humble and deeply private. A practicing Muslim, he has been photographed attending mosque services and is admired for living a simple, grounded life. Former teammates often mention how his faith and quiet personality make him one of the most respected figures in football.
In 2023, Kanté joined Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, where he continues to play. Even far from Europe’s spotlight, he remains an icon of discipline, humility, and devotion.
8. Riyad Mahrez
Riyad Mahrez rose to global fame with Leicester City, where his creativity and goals were central to the club’s miraculous 2016 Premier League title. He later joined Manchester City, adding four more league titles and the Champions League in 2023 under Pep Guardiola.
Mahrez, born in France to Algerian parents, is a practising Muslim and has spoken about observing Ramadan even during the busiest parts of the season. His performances during fasting periods were often praised by managers and teammates, showing his discipline and commitment.
In 2023, he left Manchester City for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, joining a growing group of Muslim football stars moving to the Middle East. As captain of Algeria, he lifted the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, a career highlight that made him a national hero.
9. Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi came through Real Madrid, exploded on loan at Borussia Dortmund, won Serie A with Inter, and became a starter at Paris Saint-Germain. With Morocco, he was central to the historic World Cup 2022 run to the semi-finals, with those viral post-match hugs with his mother turning him into a national symbol.
Hakimi is a practising Muslim. He has performed Umrah in Mecca multiple times and has posted Eid messages to fans, often in traditional Moroccan dress. Faith and family are recurring themes whenever he speaks about his life in football.
10. Edin Džeko
At 39, Edin Džeko is still going strong and signed with Fiorentina in July 2025 after two seasons at Fenerbahçe, where he scored 21 goals and provided seven assists in 53 matches last season. He has already debuted for the Viola in the 2025-26 Serie A, adding experience and leadership to Vincenzo Italiano’s attack.
Across his career, Džeko has scored over 340 goals for clubs and country, a remarkable tally that highlights his consistency at the top level. He is also the all-time top scorer for Bosnia and Herzegovina, with more than 70 international goals, and continues to captain the national team. Having played for Wolfsburg, Manchester City, Roma, and Inter Milan, he remains one of Europe’s most enduring strikers.
FAQs about Muslim football players
Do Muslim footballers fast during Ramadan while playing matches?
Yes, many Muslim players continue fasting during Ramadan, even when they have games or training sessions on the same day. Leagues such as the Premier League now allow “Ramadan breaks” so players can eat and drink after sunset. Some players say fasting gives them mental clarity, while others find it physically challenging but spiritually rewarding. Famous examples include Wesley Fofana breaking his fast mid-match, and Ajax players Hakim Ziyech and Noussair Mazraoui doing the same during a Champions League semi-final.
Have Muslim players refused to wear football shirts with certain sponsors?
Yes. Some Muslim footballers have refused to wear shirts sponsored by gambling or payday loan companies, as these go against Islamic principles. A famous case was Papiss Cissé at Newcastle United, who initially refused to wear a shirt sponsored by Wonga.com because of its association with charging interest. Frédéric Kanouté also had his Sevilla shirt modified to avoid promoting an online casino. These cases pushed clubs to negotiate with players and adapt sponsorship policies to respect religious beliefs.
Are football clubs adapting to support Muslim players more today?
Yes. Many football clubs have introduced prayer rooms at stadiums and training grounds, and some even host Eid celebrations on the pitch. Major League Soccer added official iftar breaks in 2023, and the Premier League has followed similar steps. These efforts reflect how Muslim players are no longer isolated cases — in 2018, more than 50 Muslims played in the Premier League. Their presence has helped reduce Islamophobia and make football more inclusive for players and fans.
