Top 8 muslim soccer players who were able to overwhelm the world

The world’s top professional football leagues include the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A and French League 1. Over the years, the number of football players from many different ethnicities, castes and races has increased markedly. And colors enter these cash-rich and highly competitive European arenas. In the last decade or so, several Muslim footballers have been able to show excellent performances in terms of fitness, skills, strategies and traits and become mainstays of their respective clubs. In this article, Premiumsoccertips discusses 8 muslim soccer players who have been able to overwhelm the world with their relentless bravery and incomparable professional traits.

Top 8 muslim soccer players

1. Mesut Ozil

A German national, Ozil plays for Arsenal in the English Premier League (EPL) and also represents the German national football team. In Arsenal’s most expensive deal in history, Ozil was transferred from Real Madrid to Arsenal in 2013 for £42.5 million. Chelsea’s current manager, Jose Mourinho, has compared his ability and creative style to that of the French legend Zinedine Zidane.

Ozil is a left-footed attacking midfielder with excellent offensive capabilities. He is a practicing Muslim, reciting the Quran before each match and fasting during the month of Ramadan. Ozil donated his World Cup 2014 winnings, estimated at around £240,000, to cover the medical expenses of 23 Brazilian children in need of surgery.

2. Samir Nasri

Another talent in the English Premier League, Samir Nasri, a French national, has been instrumental in Manchester City’s success as an attacking midfielder and winger. With exceptional game reading and lightning speed, Nasri is not only a formidable opponent but also a versatile and skillful player in creating opportunities and scoring goals. His flexibility and adeptness in adjusting and utilizing his skills make him an indispensable part of Manchester City’s lineup.

Nasri, of Algerian descent, has been compared to the legendary Real Madrid star Zinedine Zidane for the style and cultural influence he brings. Known since his time at Arsenal in 2008, Nasri moved to Manchester City in 2011 with a four-year contract. Besides his on-field talent, Nasri is a practicing Muslim and the brother of two, including a sister named Sonia and twin brothers named Wali and Malik.

3. Franck Ribery

Another star of French football, Franck Ribery, currently playing for the renowned German club Bayern Munich, has left a mark with his fast pace, precise passing, and exquisite dribbling skills. Often appearing on the left-wing midfield position and possessing the ability to play with both feet, Ribery is dubbed the “jewel of French football” by the legendary Zinedine Zidane.

In the 2012-2013 season, Ribery was nominated for the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or award, competing with two legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. With three Player of the Year awards in France, he has built his image in the football world.

Off the pitch, Ribery made an important personal decision to convert to Islam and chose the name Bilal Yousaf Ahmed. This reflects his cultural diversity and respect for religious values in his personal life.

4. Nicolas Anelka

Described by Chelsea’s former coach Carlo Ancelotti as a quick and strong aerial player, Nicolas Anelka, a French national, is now a coach for the Mumbai City FC team. With a wealth of experience, Anelka has played for top clubs in Europe such as Paris Saint Germain, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester City.

Anelka converted to Islam in 2004 after prolonged discussions with childhood friends in the United Arab Emirates, taking the Muslim name Abdul-Salam Bilal. Initially observing fasting during Ramadan, he later abandoned it due to injury after the end of Ramadan. This demonstrates Anelka’s flexibility and adaptation to religious and health values in his personal life.

5. Yaya Toure

Yaya Toure, hailing from Ivory Coast, represents Manchester City in the English Premier League as a midfielder and is one of the most versatile players on the field. He has the ability to play in various midfield positions due to the diversity and flexibility of his technical and tactical skills. With outstanding talent, Yaya Toure is considered one of the best players in the world.

His attacking prowess and heading ability make Yaya Toure an unbeatable opponent, especially in set-piece and penalty situations, where he often turns these opportunities into crucial goals for his team.

Outside of football, Yaya Toure is a practicing Muslim, and his religious beliefs have influenced decisions beyond the pitch. He refused the “Man of the Match” champagne after a match with Newcastle United, showing his steadfastness and respect for his religious values. This positive reaction led the English Football Association (FA) to introduce alternative drinks like rose water and pomegranate for Muslim players, respecting and supporting them in maintaining their religious beliefs.

6. Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema, a French player, currently wears the jersey of the renowned Spanish club Real Madrid as a forward with exceptional talent and precise finishing ability inside the penalty area. He is a practicing Muslim and respects fasting during the month of Ramadan, an important religious obligation for Muslims.

Benzema has had a significant presence in the history of the French national football team, representing the team at major events such as the UEFA European Football Championship in 2008 and 2012 as well as the FIFA World Cup 2014. With his technique and talent, Benzema has contributed significantly to the success of his national team and club over the years.

7. Abou Diaby

Abou Diaby, the son of a long-haul truck driver, is a French player currently playing for the Marseille club in his homeland. He is described as a versatile player, confident in both attacking and defensive roles, often compared to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira.

He is famous for his skillful ball control, accurate passing, and intelligence in reading the game. Diaby’s dribbling technique is also a strength that helps him create dangerous situations for his team.

Off the pitch, Diaby is a practicing Muslim and has a passionate interest in diverse subjects such as religion, philosophy, science, and astronomy. His profound understanding of these topics not only enriches his personal culture but also helps him better understand the world around him and apply this knowledge to his daily life.

8. Demba Ba

Demba Ba, a French player, represents the Senegal national team and plays for the Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua. He has had a notable career in the English Premier League with clubs like West Ham United, Newcastle United, and Chelsea.

Ba is a follower of Islam, often practicing his faith by fasting during the Ramadan month. Particularly, he shows respect for his religion by performing Sajdah, a reverent act in Islam, when celebrating each goal he scores on the field. This is not only a part of his personal belief but also an understanding and respect for his culture and religion.

Conclude

In the world of football, muslim soccer players are not only famous for their talent and achievements on the pitch but are also admired for their respect and flexibility in expressing their religious beliefs. These players are not only those who bring joy to fans through outstanding performances, but also positive role models of combining career success and adherence to religious values. The cultural and religious diversity in football is not only a necessary condition for the sustainable development of the sport but also a highlight for the intersection and respect between communities around the world.

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