Football has been blessed with some of the great players from across the globe. This beautiful sport has unconditionally united fans and players from across cultures, religions, races, and colors. Over the years, top Muslim football players have also gracefully competed and etched their names in the history book of football.
Best Muslim Soccer Players
From legendary players such as Mesut Ozil and Karim Benzema to modern-day stars like Ousmane Dembele have cemented their places in football, hence making it to the list of the top Muslim football players in the world. Without making further ado, let’s talk about the great players from the Muslim community. Based on the footballers’ connection with their Muslim faith.
List of Best Muslim Football Players in the World
| RANK | PLAYER NAME | CLUB | AGE |
| 1 | Karim Benzema | Al Ittihad | 36 |
| 2 | Mesut Ozil | Al Ittihad | 36 |
| 3 | N’Golo Kante | Retired | 33 |
| 4 | Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | 32 |
| 5 | Sadio Mane | Al Nassr | 32 |
| 6 | Antonio Rudiger | Real Madrid | 31 |
| 7 | Ilkay Gundogan | Man City | 34 |
| 8 | Riyad Mahrez | Al Ahli | 33 |
| 9 | Paul Pogba | Free Agent | 31 |
| 10 | Ousmane Dembele | PSG | 27 |
10. Ousmane Dembele (France & PSG)
Ousmane Dembele is one of the best Muslim Soccer players in the world. Born in 1997, the versatile forward has been climbing up the stairs of success quickly in soccer. He represents the French football team and Paris Saint-Germain.
The French winger began to savor success in his Borussia Dortmund days. Through utilizing his incredible pace and dribbling skills, he has excelled on the field. Former Barcelona winger, now playing for French side PSG has been playing a key figure in their dominant run in their domestic league this season.
| Clubs Played For | Rennes, Borussia Dortmund, FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 323 |
| Goals | 76 |
| Assists | 91 |
9. Paul Pogba (France & Free Agent)
Paul Pogba has been a folkloric figure in soccer for his interesting career graph. Renowned for his shooting prowess, physicality and creative flair, the Frenchman is regarded as one of the elite players in football. Despite his engagement in several controversial incidents, Pogba has been an important asset for clubs like Juventus and Manchester United.
He was instrumental in France’s 2018 World Cup victory. Pogba’s presence in the midfield helped the Les Blues dominate games after games in the last decade. A serial major title winner, Pogba is one of the most influential Muslim football players in history.
Although the former Juventus midfielder is now banned from playing football after doping, teams will be looking to add him to their roster with the diverse experience he has playing in Serie A and the English Premier League.
| Clubs Played For | Manchester United, Juventus |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 446 |
| Goals | 76 |
| Assists | 96 |
Also Read: Ranking 10 best Chelsea Managers in the last 20 years
8. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Al Ahli)
According to Riyad Mahrez’s latest contract with the Saudi Premier League club, he is the highest-paid African footballer as of now. His smooth dribbling skills, agility, and vision have brought plenty of success during his stints with Leicester City and Manchester City respectively.
The Algerian football team captain has been inspiring Muslim players across the world after coming through a hard yet commendable journey. Mahrez is the kind of soccer player who has the ability to change the course of a game single-handedly within a minute.
| Clubs Played For | Quimper, Le Havre, Leicester City, Manchester City, Al-Ahli |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 540 |
| Goals | 156 |
| Assists | 125 |
7. Ilkay Gundogan (Germany & Manchester City)
One of the most successful midfielders, Ilkay Gundogan is popular for his passing range and tactical brilliance. Besides representing Germany at the international level, he has played for Manchester City and Barcelona.
One of the greatest Muslim Soccer players, Gundogan has made a habit of winning prestigious accolades everywhere he has played in his life so far. Many fans are unaware that he is a practicing Muslim and has already established his name as one of the top Muslim football players.
| Clubs Played For | VfL Bochum II, 1. FC Nürnberg, Borussia Dortmund, Man City, Barcelona |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 628 |
| Goals | 117 |
| Assists | 79 |
6. Antonio Rudiger (Germany & Real Madrid)
Antonio Rudiger is an immensely popular and funny football player. Especially known for his brilliant defensive awareness, leadership qualities and incredible speed. Rudiger is a religious man, and a devoted top Muslim football player.
He has been part of some of the successful clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid. After joining the Spanish giants in 2022, the German center-back has already won seven major titles.
| Clubs Played For | VfB Stuttgart, Roma, Chelsea, Real Madrid |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 549 |
| Goals | 30 |
| Assists | 13 |
5. Sadio Mane (Senegal & Al Nassr)
If you ask about a successful soccer journey that will inspire millions across the world, then you need to look at Sadio Mane. Hailing from a remote village of Senegal, the skillful attacker is now playing alongside one of the soccer greats, Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.
Before coming to Saudi Arabia, he became a Liverpool legend after sending the Premier League fans into a frenzy through his technicality, scoring prowess and dribbling. Mane played a pivotal role in guiding the Reds to Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles.
| Clubs Played For | Metz, Red Bull Salzburg, Southampton, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Al Nassr |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 561 |
| Goals | 228 |
| Assists | 109 |
4. Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Liverpool)
Celebrated for his incredible dribbling, accurate shooting and scoring ability, Mohamed Salah is one of the most skilled forwards in modern-day soccer. The Egyptian captain was a cog in the attacking wheel of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, where he has won prestigious silverware like Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.
| Clubs Played For | Al Mokawloon, Basel, Chelsea, Roma, Liverpool |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 622 |
| Goals | 303 |
| Assists | 153 |
3. N’Golo Kante (France & Al Ittihad)
N’Golo Kante, one of the best defensive midfielders in Chelsea’s history, is another figure in the greatest Muslim footballers’ list. The Al Ittihad player is an inspiration to many young footballers across the world for his work ethic, physical strength and humble behavior.
During his time with Chelsea, he won the Champions League and Premier League after lifting the English domestic title previously with Leicester City. Kante’s heroics propelled France to the FIFA World Cup title in 2018.
| Clubs Played For | Boulogne, Caen, Leicester City, Chelsea, Al Ittihad |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 488 |
| Goals | 30 |
| Assists | 36 |
2. Mesut Ozil (Retired)
Mesut Ozil is one of the most celebrated Muslim players in the history of soccer. The former Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder was a joy to watch when he had a ball on his feet. Even after his retirement, his footballing IQ, passing ability, one-touch and vision are talked about during important football matches. He was a maestro in unlocking tight defense with accurate passing and crosses.
Ozil’s career peaked when he won the 2014 World Cup with Germany. Many don’t know that he is deeply connected with Muslim faith. Every year he visits the holy place of Islam, Mecca to offer his prayers.
| Clubs Played For | Schalke 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbahce, Istanbul Basaksehir |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 645 |
| Goals | 114 |
| Assists | 218 |
Also Read: Top 10 Fastest Soccer Players in History | Ranked
1. Karim Benzema (France & Al Ittihad)
One of the most prolific forwards in soccer, Karim Benzema is a legendary Muslim football player. He currently plays for Saudi Club, Al Ittihad after spending several successful years in Europe. From UEFA Champions League to La Liga, from UEFA Super Cup to the Club World Cup, Benzema has won every possible trophy out there with Real Madrid. His positional awareness, shooting ability and finishing have helped him thrive in the opponents’ penalty box.
Former Real Madrid striker also won the best individual award, Ballon d’Or in 2022 and has often shown his happiness after moving to Saudi Arabia in the twilight of his career due to his Muslim faith. Karim Benzema is definitely one of the best Muslim Soccer players in the world.
| Clubs Played For | Lyon, Real Madrid, Al Ittihad |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 836 |
| Goals | 443 |
| Assists | 203 |
FAQs
Q. Who is the best Muslim footballer in the world?
Ans. Karim Benzema is arguably the best Muslim footballer in the world. There are many successful footballers from the Muslim community, but Benzema’s success has earned him the best tag.
Q. Which football player is a Muslim?
Ans. Many football players are Muslim. The likes of Karim Benzema, Ilkay Gundogan, Paul Pogba and Mohamed Salah represent over 2 billion Muslims across the world.
Q. Who is the richest Muslim footballer in the world?
Ans. Faiq Bolkiah is the richest Muslim footballer in the world. He has an estimated net worth of around $20.1 billion. He plays for the Brunei National Football team.
Q. Who in Real Madrid is a Muslim?
Ans. Antonio Rudiger and Arda Guler are Muslim players in the current Real Madrid team.