Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring against Manchester United at Anfield, Liverpool, April 2022.
Muslims the world over are currently observing Ramadan – a month of fasting, prayer and reflection commemorating the prophet Muhammad’s first revelation – and this includes a number of high-profile footballers, who play for clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Fasting during Ramadan means no food or fluids can be consumed during daylight hours. The practice is to cleanse the soul and mind. Ramadan 2022 began at the start of April and ends with the celebration of Eid on May 2.
We’ve compiled an XI of Muslim footballers that are currently observing Ramadan, lining up in a 4-3-3 formation.
GK: Edouard Mendy
Edouard Mendy has made a few high-profile errors of late, but his is the exception rather than the norm for a ‘keeper who has been outstanding for Chelsea ever since he joined.
Mendy helped Chelsea to the Champions League title in his first season after signing in the summer of 2021 and could add another major trophy to his collection if Chelsea beat Liverpool in the FA Cup final this May.
Born and raised in Senegal, Mendy is a Muslim and is currently observing the fast, which is the Fourth Pillar of Islam.
RB: Achraf Hakimi
Fench-born Hakimi is a devout Muslim. The PSG full-back, often identified as one of the world’s best in his position, observes Ramadan every year.
“I think I made the decision to play for Morocco because it’s where my parents come from, how they raised me in a Moroccan, Muslim home, so I thought I’d be more comfortable playing for the Morocco national team,” Hakimi told the Bundesliga website in 2020.
CB: Wesley Fofana
Fofana earnt the praise of Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers after last season’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Southampton during the Ramadan period.
“He’s a young player in the middle of Ramadan, so he’s not eating during the day,” Rodgers said. “It’s remarkable.
“I’ve worked with lots of players with devotion to their faiths and for a lot of the guys, it gives them strength. He’s finding an incredible strength to play continuously and train during Ramadan. He’s a special talent and a big player for us.”
CB: Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger is a practising Muslim and used Chelsea’s recent trip to the United Arab Emirates for the Club World Cup to underline his devotion to his faith.
Pictured alongside team-mates Ismaila Sarr, N’Golo Kante, and Hakim Ziyech, Rudiger appeared in religious garments and posted the photo on social media in support of all Muslims currently observing Ramadan.
His future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain but Rudiger’s commitment to the Muslim faith is unquestionable
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