Many people might not realize that there are over 1 billion Muslims globally, accounting for about a quarter of the world’s population. While some may easily recognize prominent Muslim players, others may not be as familiar.
Muslim athletes have made a remarkable impact in football, showcasing extraordinary talent across various roles—from dazzling dribblers to powerful strikers and solid defenders. These players excel on the pitch and serve as influential figures within their communities. Their contributions go beyond mere statistics; they embody resilience, skill, and sportsmanship.
This list highlights 20 exceptional Muslim football players from around the world, celebrating their achievements, playing styles, and the cultural richness they bring to the game. Each player has a unique story that reflects their diverse backgrounds and experiences. As role models, they inspire countless fans and aspiring athletes, illustrating how faith and passion can harmoniously blend with pursuing excellence in sports.
1. Mesut Ozil
Mesut Özil, born on October 15, 1988, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, is a professional footballer with Turkish roots. Known for his ability to create scoring opportunities, he’s often regarded as a football magician, making the ball perform feats that would envious even Harry Potter.
Growing up in a multicultural environment as a Muslim, Mesut embodied the perfect blend of German discipline and Turkish flair. He began his career at Schalke 04, quickly gaining a reputation for his impressive assists. He has a sixth sense for locating his teammates on the field, even when they don’t know their positions.
After establishing himself at Schalke, Mesut moved to Werder Bremen, continuing to dazzle fans with his playmaking skills. In 2010, he joined Real Madrid, forming a dynamic partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo. Their synergy on the field was akin to Batman and Robin, except they were kicking a ball instead of fighting crime.
In 2013, Mesut moved significantly to Arsenal, where he continued to impress with his vision and passing ability. He played a key role in helping the team secure several FA Cups, proving his ability to perform under pressure.
Mesut is known off the field for his charitable work and love for Turkish culture. He’s like a modern-day Robin Hood, using his football skills and influence to help those in need.
As for his education, Mesut’s classroom was the football pitch, where he mastered the art of the beautiful game. His teachers were some of the best coaches in the world, and his classmates were among the greatest players of his generation.
2. Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema, born on December 19, 1987, in Lyon, France, is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for the Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad. He’s a magician on the pitch, making defenders disappear and goals appear out of thin air.
Growing up in a multicultural family as a Muslim, Karim enjoyed a unique blend of French and Algerian heritage. His parents, Hafid and Malika, immigrated to France from Algeria, providing him with a rich cultural background that undoubtedly influenced his play style.
Karim has seven siblings, making his childhood home a lively place filled with laughter and sibling rivalries, which likely contributed to his competitive spirit.
Karim’s education revolved around football. At the age of 9, he joined the youth academy of Olympique Lyonnais, where he honed his skills and mastered the art of the beautiful game. His mentors were some of the best coaches in the world, and his peers were the future stars of French football.
3. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah, born on June 15, 1992, in Nagrig, Egypt, is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Liverpool FC and captains the Egyptian national team. On the pitch, he’s a magician, making defenders vanish and goals appear out of nowhere.
Growing up in a small village in Egypt as a Muslim, Mohamed had a humble upbringing. His parents, Salah Ghaly and his mother, whose name remains unknown, supported his passion for football from a young age. He has a brother named Nasr, with whom he likely spent countless hours playing football in their backyard.
Mohamed’s education took place on the football pitch, where he mastered the art of the beautiful game. His mentors were some of the best coaches in the world, and his peers were the future stars of Egyptian football.
4. Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey, born on June 13, 1993, in Odumase Krobo, Ghana, is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Arsenal in the Premier League and captains the Ghana national team. He’s like a Swiss Army knife on the pitch, capable of defending, creating, and scoring goals.
Growing up in a small town in Ghana as a Muslim, Thomas had a humble upbringing. His parents, Jacob Partey and Felicia Partey, were farmers, and he grew up in a lively home with seven siblings, filled with laughter and sibling rivalries. This environment likely fueled his competitive spirit.
Thomas’ education took place on the football pitch, where he mastered the art of the beautiful game. He was mentored by some of the best coaches in the world, and his peers were the future stars of Ghanaian football.
5. N’Golo Kante
N’Golo Kanté is a professional footballer who plays for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League and represents the France national team. Born on March 29, 1991, in Paris, France, he is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
As a Muslim, Kanté’s early life was characterized by humble beginnings. He grew up in a small apartment in Rueil-Malmaison, Hauts-de-Seine, and experienced the loss of his father at a young age. Despite these challenges, his passion for football shone through early on.
Of French nationality with Malian roots, Kanté’s parents immigrated from Mali to France in 1980. He is also a practicing Muslim.
He has four siblings and tragically lost an elder brother shortly before the 2018 World Cup. Kanté’s mother worked as a cleaner, and to help support his family, he collected valuable waste and garbage.
6. Sadio Mane
Sadio Mané is a professional footballer who plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and represents the Senegal national team. Born on April 10, 1992, in Bambali, Senegal, Mané has established himself as one of the sport’s most formidable attackers.
Mané’s early life was rooted in humble beginnings. He grew up in a small village in Senegal, where his passion for football blossomed from a young age. Despite losing his father early on, Mané’s determination and talent drove him to pursue a football career.
Mané is a practicing Muslim of Senegalese ethnicity. His parents immigrated from Mali to Senegal in 1980. While he has several siblings, their specific details are not widely known.
Mané’s journey to professional football began at age 19 when he joined the French club Metz. He later moved to Red Bull Salzburg in Austria before making his Premier League debut with Southampton. In 2016, he joined Liverpool, achieving considerable success, including winning the Champions League and the Premier League.
7. Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder, renowned for his exceptional skill, creativity, and versatility on the field. He has played for prestigious clubs such as Manchester United and Juventus and has been a key player for the French national team.
Born on March 15, 1993, in Lagny-sur-Marne, France, Pogba has a diverse background. He is of Guinean descent, and his parents immigrated from Guinea to France. His father, Fassou Antoine Pogba, and his mother, Yeo Moriba, have supported his football journey.
Paul has two younger brothers, Florentin and Mathias, who are also professional footballers. Mathias has played for various clubs and represents the Guinea national team.
As a practicing Muslim, Pogba embraces his faith’s values and traditions, which influence his personal life and professional career. His background and upbringing have shaped his character and contributed to his success on and off the pitch.
8. Riyad Mahrez
Riyad Mahrez is a professional footballer who plays as a winger. He is renowned for his outstanding dribbling, creativity, and goal-scoring prowess. He has had a successful career with clubs like Leicester City and Manchester City and also represents the Algerian national team. He plays as a right winger for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli.
Born on February 21, 1991, in Sarcelles, France, Mahrez comes from a diverse background. He is of Algerian descent, with parents who immigrated from Algeria to France. His father, Ahmed Mahrez, and his mother have been significant influences in his life, fostering a strong work ethic and a deep passion for football.
Growing up with several siblings added to a lively and competitive family dynamic. Mahrez developed his love for the sport at a young age, often playing in the streets with friends in his modest neighborhood.
As a practicing Muslim, Mahrez incorporates his faith’s values into his personal and professional life. His unique background and experiences have shaped his football journey and contributed to his identity as a player.
9. Ilkay Gundogan
İlkay Gündoğan, a celebrated professional footballer, was born on October 24, 1990, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. His early life was influenced by his Turkish parents, who emigrated from Balıkesir, Turkey, in search of better opportunities. Of Turkish descent, İlkay’s ethnicity reflects a rich cultural heritage, and he identifies as a Muslim, a faith that plays a significant role in his life.
The Gündoğan family is close-knit, with İlkay being the youngest of his siblings. His parents, who arrived in Germany as guest workers, instilled in him strong values of hard work and perseverance from an early age. Growing up in a multicultural setting exposed İlkay to various cultures as a Muslim, shaping his worldview and paving the way for his future success.
His father, a miner, and his mother, a homemaker, encouraged their children to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence. His older siblings have also been instrumental in his life, offering guidance and support as he embarked on his professional football journey.
10. Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rüdiger is a professional footballer who plays as a center-back for Real Madrid and the German national team. Rüdiger has established himself as a key player in top leagues because of his strength, speed, and defensive skills.
Born on March 3, 1993, in Berlin, Germany, Rüdiger comes from a diverse background. His father, a Sierra Leonean, immigrated to Germany, while his mother is of German descent. This multicultural heritage has shaped his identity both on and off the pitch.
Growing up in Berlin, Antonio was raised in a supportive environment. His parents instilled strong values in him, emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance. He has one brother, who has also influenced his life and career.
As a practicing Muslim, Rüdiger’s faith is integral to his life, guiding his personal and professional decisions. His unique background and experiences have contributed to his football career success and shaped his character on and off the field.
11. Saïd Benrahma
Saïd Benrahma is a professional footballer recognized for his skills as a left winger and attacking midfielder. Born on August 10, 1995, in Aïn Témouchent, Algeria, he embraces his Algerian heritage, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of his homeland.
Religion is an important aspect of Saïd‘s life; he is a devoted Muslim, and his faith has provided him with strength and motivation throughout his career.
His parents, Mohamed and his mother (whose name is not publicly known) have been unwavering supporters in his journey. Growing up in Algeria, Saïd was nurtured in a loving, close-knit family environment. While details about his siblings are scarce, it’s clear that his family played a vital role in shaping his character.
Saïd exhibited a natural talent and passion for football from an early age. His dedication to the sport during his childhood in Algeria ultimately laid the foundation for his successful professional career.
12. Wahbi Khazri
Wahbi Khazri is a professional footballer known for playing as an attacking midfielder or forward. Born on February 8, 1991, in Ajaccio, France, he has strong Tunisian roots that reflect his rich cultural heritage.
Religion is a significant aspect of Wahbi’s life; he is a devout Muslim, and his faith has guided him throughout his career.
His parents, Mohamed and his mother (whose name is not publicly available) have steadfastly supported him in his pursuits. Growing up in Ajaccio, Wahbi was raised in a close-knit family, which contributed to his personal and athletic development.
While specific details about his siblings are not widely known, it’s clear that his family environment has played a crucial role in nurturing his character and passion for football. From an early age, Wahbi showcased a natural talent for the sport, setting the stage for his successful professional career.
13. Islam Slimani
Islam Slimani is a professional footballer from Algeria who plays as a striker for KV Mechelen in the Belgian Pro League and the Algeria national team. Born on June 18, 1988, in Algiers, Algeria, Slimani has made a notable impact in football with his impressive skills and goal-scoring prowess.
Slimani began his career in Algeria with JSM Chéraga and CR Belouizdad before moving to Europe in 2013 to join Sporting CP. His time in Portugal was highlighted by consistent performances and goal contributions, helping his team secure the Taça de Portugal in 2015.
Regarding his background, Slimani is of Algerian ethnicity and practices Islam. He maintains a low profile regarding his personal life, with limited information about his family and siblings, as he prefers to keep his private matters out of the public eye.
14. Mohamed Elneny
Mohamed Elneny is a professional footballer from Egypt, recognized for his role as a defensive midfielder. Born on July 11, 1992, in El-Mahalla El-Kubra, Egypt, his journey to football prominence began early, influenced by his father, Ibrahim Naser Elneny, a retired footballer.
Growing up, Elneny was deeply connected to football, with his father’s legacy and passion for the sport propelling him forward. He started his youth career at Al-Amal and Al-Makawloon before moving to Europe to join the Swiss club Basel in 2013.
Regarding his background, Mohamed Elneny is of Egyptian descent and practices Islam. While details about his siblings and personal life are limited, his commitment to football and career path are well-established.
15. Ousmane Dembele
Ousmane Dembélé is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 and represents the France national team. Born on May 15, 1997, in Vernon, France, Dembélé is known for his exceptional talent and versatility.
His journey to football stardom began early, starting his youth career at Madeleine Évreux and Évreux before joining Rennes. Dembélé‘s father, Ousmane Dembélé Sr., is of Malian descent, while his mother, Fatimata Dembélé, has Senegalese-Mauritanian roots from Wally Datang.
In terms of his personal background, Dembélé is of French ethnicity and practices Islam. He has a brother and a sister, though details about his siblings are not widely shared.
16. Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka is a professional footballer from Switzerland. He plays midfield for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga and captains the Swiss national team. Xhaka was born on September 27, 1992, in Basel, Switzerland. His path to football success began early in his life.
He started his youth career at FC Concordia Basel before joining FC Basel. Xhaka’s father, Ragip, hails from Kosovo, and his mother, Eli, is from North Macedonia, both of Albanian descent. He has an older brother, Taulant Xhaka, who is also a professional footballer representing Albania.
Regarding his personal background, Granit Xhaka identifies as Albanian and practices Islam. His family’s heritage has profoundly influenced his life and career.
17. Edin Dzeko
Edin Džeko is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Fenerbahçe in the Süper Lig and captains the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team. Born on March 17, 1986, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Džeko‘s passion for football blossomed in a supportive family environment.
His father, Midhat Džeko, was a mining engineer, while his mother, Bekira, dedicated her time to the home. Edin has one brother, who played a key role in fostering his early interest in sports.
Ethnically Bosnian, Edin practices Islam, which significantly influences his life. Growing up in Sarajevo during the challenging times of the Bosnian War shaped his character and resilience, guiding him on his path as a professional athlete. Džeko began his career at local clubs in Bosnia before moving to Europe, where he quickly earned recognition for his remarkable talent and goal-scoring prowess.
18. Kurt Zouma
Kurt Zouma is a professional footballer who defends West Ham United in the Premier League and represents the France national team. He was born on October 27, 1994, in Lyon, France.
From a young age, Zouma was supported by his family in pursuing his passion for football. His father has roots in the Central African Republic, while his mother is of French descent, fostering a rich cultural background. Kurt also has several siblings, adding to a vibrant family atmosphere.
As a Muslim, Zouma‘s mixed heritage reflects both his French and Central African ancestry. While details about his religious beliefs are not widely shared, his upbringing highlighted family values and resilience. He began his youth career at Saint-Étienne before moving to Chelsea, where he made a name for himself with his strong defensive skills and commanding presence on the pitch.
19. Benjamin Mendy
Benjamin Mendy is a professional footballer who plays as a left-back. Born on July 17, 1994, in Longjumeau, France, he developed a passion for football from a young age, supported by his family.
Mendy‘s father is of Senegalese descent, while his mother hails from Morocco, giving him a rich cultural background. He has several siblings who have influenced his upbringing and aspirations.
Of mixed heritage, Mendy embodies both his African and French roots. He practices Islam, which is important in his life and values. He began his youth career at local clubs before progressing to the professional level, where he earned recognition for his speed, strength, and contributions on both ends of the pitch.
20. Xherdan Shaqiri
Xherdan Shaqiri is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for the Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire and the Switzerland national team.
He was born on October 10, 1991, in Gjilan, Kosovo, where his passion for football began early. Shaqiri started his professional career with FC Basel’s reserve team in 2009 and quickly moved up to the first team the following year.
Ethnically, Shaqiri is of Albanian descent and practices Islam. His parents are Isen and Fatime Shaqiri. He has two older brothers, Erdin and Arianit, and a younger sister, Medina.
