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Top 10 Best Muslim Football Players of All Time

  • Post category:Football
  • Reading time:22 mins read
  • Post last modified:March 5, 2023

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In this post, we will check out the top 10 best Muslim football players of all time.

Football is a sport that is widely enjoyed by people all around the world. It has become a part of the cultural identity of many nations and is a platform for showcasing athletic excellence, skill, and teamwork.

Among the numerous football players who have left an indelible mark in the history of the sport, there are several who belong to the Muslim faith.

From the legendary players of the past to the contemporary stars of today, Muslim football players have made significant contributions to the game with their talents, dedication, and perseverance.

They have been role models for young Muslim athletes who aspire to succeed in the world of football.

In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 Muslim football players of all time, based on their achievements, impact, and legacy in the sport.

These players have not only left a mark on the game, but they have also been influential figures in promoting diversity and tolerance in football and beyond.

Top 10 Best Muslim Football Players of All Time

10. Eric Abidal

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Eric Abidal is a retired professional footballer from France who is widely considered one of the best Muslim players to have ever graced the sport.

Abidal’s time at Barcelona was the peak of his career, and he became a fan favorite for his solid performances at left-back. He played an integral role in helping the team win numerous trophies, including three La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles, and two UEFA Champions League titles.

Abidal’s performances for Barcelona also earned him a call-up to the French national team, where he made 67 appearances and played in two World Cups.

One of the most significant aspects of Abidal’s career is his devotion to Islam. Abidal converted to Islam in 2007 and has since been a devout follower of the faith.

He has been vocal about his beliefs, often speaking about the importance of Islam in his life and how it has helped him both on and off the pitch. Abidal has also been known to celebrate his goals with Islamic prayers, a gesture that has endeared him to Muslim fans around the world.

Abidal’s success on the pitch and his commitment to Islam has made him a role model for Muslim footballers everywhere. He has shown that it is possible to be successful in the sport while remaining true to one’s faith and values.

9. Nicolas Anelka

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Nicolas Anelka, also known as Le Sulk, is a retired French professional footballer who was born on March 14, 1979, in Trappes, France. He is widely regarded as one of the best Muslim football players of all time, thanks to his remarkable achievements throughout his career.

Anelka began his career at Paris Saint-Germain and went on to play for several top clubs, including Arsenal, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester City.

One of the main reasons why Anelka is considered one of the best Muslim football players of all time is because of his incredible talent and skill on the pitch.

He was known for his speed, agility, and precision when it came to scoring goals. Anelka’s career spanned over two decades, during which he won numerous titles and awards, including two Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, and one UEFA Super Cup.

Aside from his success on the pitch, Anelka is also known for his strong faith and dedication to his religion. He is a devout Muslim and has spoken publicly about the importance of his faith in his life and career.

Anelka has also used his platform as a professional footballer to raise awareness about Islam and challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about the religion.

Anelka’s achievements on and off the pitch have made him a role model for many young Muslim footballers around the world.

His dedication, discipline, and commitment to both his faith and his sport have inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams and stay true to their beliefs. As such, Nicolas Anelka will always be remembered as one of the top 10 best Muslim football players of all time, and as a true icon of the sport.

8. Emmanuel Adebayor

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Emmanuel Adebayor is widely regarded as one of the best Muslim football players of all time. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented striker and was signed by Monaco in 2003, where he helped the team win the French League Cup in 2003-2004.

In 2006, Adebayor was signed by the English Premier League club Arsenal, where he became one of the most prolific strikers in the league.

Adebayor’s success at Arsenal earned him a big-money move to Manchester City in 2009, where he continued to score goals and help the team to win its first major trophy in 35 years when they lifted the FA Cup in 2011.

Adebayor’s success in the English Premier League earned him a reputation as one of the best Muslim football players of all time, and he was named African Footballer of the Year in 2008.

Off the pitch, Adebayor is known for his charitable work and his commitment to his Muslim faith. He has used his platform as a successful football player to promote peace and understanding between people of different religions and cultures, and he has worked with organizations such as the Emmanuel Adebayor Foundation and the Red Cross to support charitable causes.

In conclusion, Emmanuel Adebayor is undoubtedly one of the top 10 best Muslim football players of all time. His talent and success on the pitch, combined with his commitment to his faith and his charitable work off the pitch, make him a role model for Muslim football players and fans around the world.

7. Marouane Fellaini-Bakkioui

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Marouane Fellaini-Bakkioui, commonly known as Marouane Fellaini, is a Belgian professional footballer who played for numerous European clubs including Manchester United, Everton, and Shandong Luneng Taishan.

He is widely regarded as one of the top 10 best Muslim football players of all time, thanks to his remarkable skills, physical presence, and goal-scoring ability.

Fellaini was born to Moroccan parents in Etterbeek, Belgium, in 1987. He began his football career at the age of eight, joining the youth academy of the Belgian club Anderlecht.

He made his professional debut for the club in 2006 and quickly became a key player in their midfield. In 2008, he joined the English club Everton, where he spent five seasons and earned a reputation as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

In 2013, Fellaini signed for Manchester United for a fee of £27.5 million, becoming the first Muslim player to play for the club.

Off the field, Fellaini is known for his strong faith and dedication to Islam. He has been vocal about his beliefs and has often been seen praying on the field before and after matches.

In conclusion, Marouane Fellaini-Bakkioui is a true legend of the game and one of the top 10 best Muslim football players of all time.

6. Mohamed Salah

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Mohamed Salah is undoubtedly one of the best Muslim football players of all time. The Egyptian winger has consistently proven his worth on the field, earning himself numerous accolades and breaking records along the way.

Salah’s incredible skill, pace, and scoring ability have helped him become one of the most feared forwards in world football, and he has undoubtedly earned his place among the sport’s greats.

Born and raised in Egypt, Salah began his footballing journey with the local club El Mokawloon before moving to Basel in Switzerland.

He quickly established himself as a star player, helping Basel win two league titles and earning himself a move to Chelsea. However, it wasn’t until he joined Liverpool in 2017 that Salah truly came into his own, scoring an incredible 44 goals in his debut season and leading the Reds to the UEFA Champions League final.

Salah’s impact on the game has not just been limited to his club performances. He has also been a key player for the Egyptian national team, helping them qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

In the tournament, Salah’s performances were instrumental in guiding Egypt to their first World Cup win since 1990, scoring two goals in their three group-stage matches.

Beyond his success on the field, Salah has also been an inspirational figure off it. As a devout Muslim, he has never shied away from expressing his faith and has used his platform to promote tolerance and understanding.

His incredible skill and performances on the field have earned him numerous accolades and cemented his place among the sport’s greats, while his commitment to his faith and his role as a positive role model for young people make him an inspiration both on and off the pitch.

5. N’Golo Kante

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N’Golo Kante is undoubtedly one of the most exceptional football players in the world. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented and hardworking midfielders in the game today.

However, what many people might not know is that he is also a devout Muslim, which makes him one of the top 10 best Muslim football players of all time.

Kante’s Muslim faith has always been an essential part of his life, and he has never been shy about expressing it. He prays regularly and observes all the major Islamic holidays.

In fact, during the 2018 World Cup, he was seen breaking his fast while in training camp with the French national team in Russia. This was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his faith, even while representing his country on the world stage.

Kante’s rise to fame in the football world has been nothing short of remarkable. He began his career with Boulogne in France before moving to Caen and eventually to Leicester City.

It was at Leicester City that he made a name for himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. He was instrumental in Leicester City’s historic title-winning campaign in the 2015-2016 season, earning him the admiration of football fans around the world.

After his success at Leicester City, Kante joined Chelsea in 2016, where he has continued to excel. He was instrumental in Chelsea’s Premier League title win in the 2016-2017 season and their Europa League win in 2019. He has also been a key player for the French national team, helping them win the 2018 World Cup.

Kante’s achievements on the pitch have earned him numerous accolades and awards. However, what makes Kante truly special is his humility and modesty, which are values that are central to his Muslim faith. He is widely respected by his peers and fans alike for his professionalism and dedication to the game.

4. Paul Pogba

top 10 best muslim football players of all time
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Paul Pogba is a French professional footballer who plays for Manchester United and the French national team. He is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, and his achievements on the field have earned him numerous accolades.

However, Pogba’s success is not limited to his footballing abilities alone. He is also a devout Muslim who takes great pride in his faith and has used his platform as a footballer to promote Islam.

As a Muslim, Pogba has often spoken about how his faith has influenced his life and career. He has been known to pray before and after games, and he has fasted during the holy month of Ramadan while playing professionally.

Pogba has also been vocal about his belief that Islam is a religion of peace, and he has worked to counteract negative stereotypes about Muslims.

Pogba’s achievements on the field have been impressive as well. He has won numerous titles, including four Serie A titles with Juventus, and the World Cup with the French national team in 2018.

As a Muslim football player, Pogba’s impact has been significant. He has used his position as a successful athlete to break down barriers and promote unity. His dedication to his faith and his ability to succeed in his profession has inspired many young Muslims around the world to pursue their dreams.

3. Mesut Ozil

top 10 best muslim football players of all time
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Mesut Ozil is a German-Turkish football player who is widely regarded as one of the best Muslim football players of all time. He has achieved great success throughout his career, both at the club and international levels.

Ozil is known for his exceptional vision, passing ability, and creativity on the pitch, which has earned him numerous accolades and made him a fan favorite around the world.

One of Ozil’s most notable achievements was his role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning team. He was instrumental in leading his team to victory, contributing two assists in the final against Argentina.

In addition to this, he has also won multiple titles with his clubs, including the English Premier League with Arsenal and La Liga with Real Madrid.

Ozil is also known for his strong faith and devotion to Islam. He has often spoken about the importance of his faith in his life and how it has helped him overcome challenges and achieve success. He has also been vocal about using his platform to promote a positive image of Islam and combat Islamophobia.

Overall, Mesut Ozil is widely regarded as one of the best Muslim football players of all time. His exceptional talent on the pitch, his devotion to his faith, and his philanthropic work have earned him widespread admiration and respect both in the football world and beyond.

2. Karim Benzema

top 10 best muslim football players of all time
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Karim Benzema is undoubtedly one of the best Muslim football players of all time. The French striker, who currently plays for Real Madrid, has had an illustrious career that has seen him win numerous domestic and international titles.

Benzema’s skill, vision, and clinical finishing have made him a formidable force on the pitch, and his contributions to the sport have been nothing short of exceptional.

Benzema’s football career began at a young age, and he quickly rose through the ranks to play for top clubs like Lyon and Real Madrid.

His natural talent and hard work paid off, as he became a key player for both clubs and helped them win multiple titles. Benzema’s impressive goal-scoring record speaks for itself, with him having scored over 300 goals for club and country.

Benzema’s skill on the pitch is matched only by his professionalism and dedication to his faith. As a practicing Muslim, Benzema has never shied away from his religious beliefs and has always maintained a high level of integrity and respect.

He has spoken publicly about the importance of his faith in his life and career and has been a role model for young Muslim athletes around the world.

Benzema’s success as a football player and his commitment to his faith has made him one of the most respected and admired Muslim athletes of all time.

His achievements on the pitch have earned him the respect of fans and peers alike, while his character and values have made him a true inspiration to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Without a doubt, Karim Benzema is a true legend of the sport and one of the greatest Muslim football players of all time.

1. Zinedine Zidane

top 10 best muslim football players of all time
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Zinedine Zidane, one of the greatest footballers of all time, is also a Muslim. He was born in Marseille, France, to Algerian parents who were immigrants.

Zidane’s family was Muslim, and he grew up in a devout Muslim household. He has always been proud of his Muslim identity and has never shied away from expressing it. Zidane’s faith has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping his personality, on and off the field.

Zidane’s football career spans over two decades and includes some of the most memorable moments in the sport’s history. He has won numerous titles and accolades throughout his career, including the World Cup with France in 1998 and 2006.

His footballing abilities are unparalleled, with his passing, vision, and control over the ball being some of the best in the game. He has also been a successful manager, leading Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018.

As a Muslim, Zidane has never hesitated to display his religious beliefs, both on and off the field. During his playing days, he would often be seen making a prayer before and after games.

He also observes Ramadan, the month of fasting, and has spoken publicly about its importance in his life. Zidane’s faith has undoubtedly contributed to his success, providing him with the necessary grounding and focus needed to excel in his profession.

Zidane’s contributions to football have been enormous, and he is rightly regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. However, his achievements go beyond the sport itself.

As a Muslim, he has been a role model for young Muslims worldwide, demonstrating that one can be both a devout Muslim and a successful footballer. His impact on the sport and the Muslim community is immeasurable, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.

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Kamran Khan

A geek, who just loves to update sports, gaming, and tech updates from around the world to the other geeks out there. A passionate sports lover, a tech geek from the mind, and a gamer from the heart.

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