10 footballers you did not know were Muslim

Football is one of the most popular sports in the world and footballers are some of the most high-profile public athletes. However, there is still so much we do not know about our favorite footballers.

Religion is one of the most sensitive and salient features of a person. While some are extremely open about their personal beliefs, there are some famous footballers whose religion of choice is not so well known.

Without much ado, let us take a look at 10 footballers who you might not know were Muslim: (First let us take a look at the most famous Muslim footballers)

Some well known Muslim footballers

Mesut Ozil

The German footballer recites from the Quran before his match

One of the most well-known active footballers on this list, Mesut Ozil is often seen bestowing his thanks to the Almighty on the football pitch. The German footballer recites from the Quran before his match.

Ozil said:

"I always do that before I go out [on the pitch]. I pray and my teammates know that they cannot talk to me during this brief period."

Zinedine Zidane

The Frenchman is not overtly religious though and does not publicly show or speak much about his personal beliefs

One of the greatest footballers of all time, Zidane is probably the most famous Muslim footballer to ever play the game. A once-in-a-generation player, Zidane has made an extremely successful transition to management, even winning the Champions League twice in two years with Real Madrid. The Frenchman is not overtly religious though and does not publicly show or speak much about his personal beliefs.

Karim Benzema

Benzema is a devout Muslim who follows fasting in the holy month of Ramadan

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is another star who practices Islam. One of the biggest stars in Los Blancos squad, Benzema is a devout Muslim who follows fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

We are sure most of you would have known about the above three footballers. Now let us take a look at names that might surprise you:

#10 Emmanuel Adebayor

One of the greatest African players of the last generation, Emmanuel Adebayor has had a successful career at various top clubs across Europe including Arsenal, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

Adebayor converted to Islam in July 2015. The former Tottenham striker is seen wearing white robes taking part in the Shahada, a ceremony in which one declares belief in 'the oneness of Allah and acceptance of Muhammad as his prophet' in a video on YouTube.

The below video shows Adebayor converting to Islam in July 2015:

#9 Nicolas Anelka

Anelka converted to Islam when he was 16

One of the most talented strikers to emerge from France, Nicolas Anelka converted to Islam from Christianity when he was just 16. Another not so well known fact is that Anelka even adopted the Muslim name Abdul-Salam Bilal in 1994. Speaking about his conversion, Anelka said:

“I was sixteen when I converted to Islam, beyond the fraternal aspect, my conversion did not change my life. I was already living by the same principles — being righteous, having values. I used to fast during Ramadan because I admired the people fasting around me. What made me convert was that I had that certainty that Islam was for me.

“I felt this relationship with God, and that enlightened my life. I had that conviction in my heart that that was my religion. I am pleased to be a Muslim, a religion of peace and I learned a lot from Islam.” – he was quoted saying.

Anelka had a stint as the manager of Indian Super League side Mumbai City FC.

#8 Marouane Fellaini

Fellaini was known for his aerial prowess and physical presence on the pitch

Former Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini is a Muslim by birth. Born to Moroccan parents from Tangier and brought up in Brussels, Fellaini had successful spells at Standard Liege and Everton before securing a big-money move to Premier League giants Manchester United.

The combative midfielder had a mixed spell at Old Trafford, but he managed to win an FA Cup and a Europa League title with the Red Devils.

Used by Jose Mourinho to bully players in the air, Fellaini’s physical presence on the pitch often broken stubborn defences.

The Belgian left United in 2019 and joined Chinese club Shandong Luneng.

#7 Eric Abidal

Eric Abidal is a fighter. The Barcelona legend came back from cancer to play at the very highest level again. A supremely decorated footballer, the former Monaco left-back has won plenty of trophies all over Europe.

Abidal converted from Christianity to Islam in 2007 after marrying Algerian-born former gymnast Hayet Kebir. Speaking about his conversion, Abidal said:

“All the natural progress. Options converted to Islam, not because of my wife, but a gift that had suddenly appeared. It really happened there. Flowing away made me feel happy. I embraced Islam with full confidence,” he was quoted saying.

One of the game’s premier left-backs, Abidal had a long and successful career at Barcelona before finally calling time at Olympiacos after the end of the 2014-15 season.

#6 Granit Xhaka

Xhaka has been an important player for Arsenal in recent years

Arsenal and Swiss star Granit Xhaka has been a vital part of the North London side's midfield. Bought from Borussia Monchengladbach for a fee of around £35 million, the Swiss star has had a decent first season.

Capable of breaking up play and setting up attacks with equal ease, Xhaka, after a tough settling period, has become a very important player for the Gunners in recent seasons.

Not afraid of crunching into tackles, Xhaka’s physical presence in the centre of the field coupled with his ball-playing skills gives Arteta's side a new dimension.