Muslim stars shaping European football’s new season
The European football industry, which earned £28 billion in revenue last year, has been slowly adapting to its growing Muslim presence.
EUROPE (MNTV) – As summer winds down, football fans welcome the return of Europe’s top leagues. Last weekend marked the first competitive matches of the season, and alongside the excitement of new campaigns comes renewed attention to Muslim footballers — some of the brightest names on the pitch.
The European football industry, which earned £28 billion in revenue last year, has been slowly adapting to its growing Muslim presence.
In England, the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has run workshops on accommodating Muslim players for more than a decade.
Symbolic moments also highlight the sport’s progress: when Liverpool clinched the Premier League in April, Mohamed Salah appeared uncomfortable as teammate Darwin Núñez poured champagne over him — until it emerged that the bottle contained 0% alcohol.
Such gestures matter. In the last ten years, Muslim athletes have claimed five PFA Player of the Year awards. This season, established icons and rising stars alike continue to shape European football.
Wesley Fofana – Chelsea’s resilient defender
Wesley Fofana, 24, grew up in Marseille in a Muslim household led by his mother and grandmother. While playing for Leicester in 2021 during Ramadan, he and Cheikhou Kouyaté were allowed to break their fast mid-match — the first official Premier League pause for iftar. “It moved me because they thought about me,” he said, noting the stark contrast with France, where Muslim athletes often face restrictive policies.
Chelsea signed Fofana for £70 million in 2022, but injuries have since limited his impact. Still, he remains one of Europe’s most talented defenders, and fans are eager to see him regain form.
Edin Džeko – Bosnia’s enduring symbol
At 39, Edin Džeko is still competing at the highest level, now with Fiorentina. His career stretches across Europe — from Manchester City’s historic 2012 title win to Italy, Turkey, and beyond.
But Džeko’s story is inseparable from his childhood in war-torn Sarajevo. In essays and interviews, he has described surviving near-misses with shelling and how the war hardened him mentally. Leading Bosnia to its first World Cup in 2014, he became a unifying figure in a deeply divided nation. Journalist Ed Vulliamy once wrote that Džeko’s role in Bosnian football “cannot be overstated.”
Antonio Rüdiger – Real Madrid’s outspoken defender
Antonio Rüdiger, 32, was born in Berlin to Sierra Leonean parents and rose through Stuttgart before shining at Roma, Chelsea, and now Real Madrid. Despite his success, he has faced racism throughout his career, particularly in Italy.
As a devout Muslim, Rüdiger has also confronted Islamophobia. When he posted a Ramadan greeting in 2024, critics accused him of extremism for making the tawhid gesture — a finger raised to symbolize God’s oneness. Rüdiger firmly rejected the claims: “Violence and terrorism are absolutely unacceptable. I stand for peace and tolerance.”
Anwar El Ghazi – punished for speaking out
Dutch-born winger Anwar El Ghazi, 30, has played for Ajax, Lille, Aston Villa, and most recently Cardiff City. But his career took a sharp turn after he condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza in 2023, posting: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” Mainz suspended and then dismissed him, a decision later overturned by a German court.
El Ghazi eventually received £1.4 million in unpaid salary and pledged €500,000 to projects supporting children in Gaza. He is now a free agent, with Spanish side Valencia reportedly interested.
Mohamed Salah – still the game’s biggest Muslim star
At 33, Mohamed Salah remains one of football’s most celebrated figures. Born in Egypt, he has left an indelible mark on British society — even inspiring fans to embrace Islam. One supporter told the Guardian: “Salah is making people love Muslims again.”
Salah recently extended his Liverpool contract, turning down a half-billion-pound Saudi offer. Yet many believe a move to the Gulf — host of the 2034 World Cup — is inevitable.
Off the pitch, Salah wields immense influence. When UEFA posted condolences for Palestinian legend Suleiman al-Obeid earlier this month, Salah asked pointedly: “Can you tell us how he died, where and why?” The post was seen over 110 million times in three days.
Muslim footballers today embody more than skill on the field. They challenge stereotypes, inspire faith, pride, and push back against discrimination — all while competing at the very top of Europe’s most lucrative sport. As another season unfolds, their stories will continue to resonate far beyond football.
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