Top 15 Best Muslim football players in the world 2024

Football, a universally beloved sport, unites players from all corners of the globe, transcending boundaries and cultures. Among the most celebrated footballers are those of the Muslim faith, who have made remarkable contributions to the sport and achieved immense success in the world’s top leagues.

Representing over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, these players have not only excelled on the field but also inspired millions with their dedication, skill, and faith.

Here’s a closer look at some of the most outstanding Muslim footballers, some of whom you might not have known follow Islam. Who is your favorite player among them?

15 Best Muslim football players in the world

15. Ousmane Dembele - Paris Saint-Germain

• Date of Birth: 15 May 1997
• Age: 26 years (as of 2023)
• Place of Birth: Vernon, France

Masour Ousmane Dembele is a French winger who plays for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the France national team. Known for his incredible speed, dribbling, and ability to play with both feet.

Dembele has been a standout player at clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona. His versatility and flair make him a constant threat to defenses. Despite facing several injury challenges, Dembele remains one of the most talented wingers in football.

READ ALSO: Top 10 Best Christian Football Players in the world 2024

14. Sadio Mane - Al Nassr

• Date of Birth: 10 April 1992
• Age: 31 years (as of 2023)
• Place of Birth: Bambali, Senegal

Sadio Mane, a Senegalese forward with a net worth of $25 million, plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and the Senegal national team. Renowned for his speed, technical skills, and goal-scoring prowess, Mane has been instrumental for top clubs like Liverpool, where he secured the Premier League and Champions League titles.

Off the pitch, Mane is known for his generosity and charitable work, including building schools and hospitals in his hometown in Senegal. His humility and contributions to society make him a beloved figure.

13. Riyad Mahrez - Al-Ahli

• Date of Birth: 21 February 1991
• Age: 32 years (as of 2023)
• Place of Birth: Sarcelles, France

Riyad Mahrez, the world's highest-paid African footballer in 2024, plays as a right winger for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League and captains the Algeria national team. Celebrated for his exceptional dribbling, agility, and creativity, Mahrez has been a vital player for top clubs like Leicester City and Manchester City.

His contributions were vital in Leicester’s historic Premier League title win in 2016 and Manchester City’s multiple domestic and international victories. Mahrez is celebrated for his flair and ability to change the course of a game.

12. Ilkay Gundogan - Barcelona

• Date of Birth: 24 October 1990
• Age: 33 years (as of 2023)
• Place of Birth: Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Ilkay Gundogan is a talented midfielder who plays for La Liga club Barcelona and captains the German national team. Known for his vision, passing accuracy, and tactical intelligence, Gundogan has had an impressive career, including successful stints at Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.

At City, he played a crucial role in their domestic and international successes. Gundogan’s leadership qualities and consistent performances have made him a respected figure in football.

11. Antonio Rudiger - Real Madrid

• Date of Birth: 3 March 1993
• Age: 30 years (as of 2023)
• Place of Birth: Berlin, Germany

Antonio Rudiger is a professional German footballer who plays as a defender for La Liga club Real Madrid and the German national team. Known for his strength, defensive capabilities, and leadership, Rudiger has established himself as a top defender in Europe.

Before joining Real Madrid, he had successful spells with VfB Stuttgart, AS Roma, and Chelsea, where he won multiple titles. Despite his fame, many fans are unaware that Rudiger is a practicing Muslim.

10. Saïd Benrahma - West Ham United

• Date of Birth: 10 August 1995
• Age: 28 years (as of 2023)
• Place of Birth: Aïn Témouchent, Algeria

Saïd Benrahma is a winger and attacking midfielder for West Ham United and the Algeria national team. Benrahma is known for his dribbling skills, creativity, and flair on the ball. He joined West Ham from Brentford, where he was instrumental in their promotion push.

Since then, he has become an important player for the Hammers, helping them achieve significant results in the Premier League and European competitions.

9. Mohamed Elneny - Arsenal

• Date of Birth: 11 July 1992
• Age: 31 years (as of 2023)
• Place of Birth: El Mahalla El Kubra, Egypt

Mohamed Elneny is a defensive midfielder for Arsenal and the Egyptian national team. Known for his stamina, tactical awareness, and passing ability, Elneny began his career with Al Mokawloon in Egypt before moving to Basel in Switzerland, where he won multiple league titles. At Arsenal, he has been a reliable squad member, known for his professionalism and work ethic

8. Islam Slimani - Coritiba

• Date of Birth: 18 June 1988
• Age: 35 years (as of 2023)
• Place of Birth: Algiers, Algeria

Islam Slimani is a forward known for his goal-scoring instincts and aerial ability. Currently playing for Coritiba in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Slimani has also played for several European clubs, including Sporting CP, Leicester City, and Lyon.

He has been a key player for the Algeria national team, contributing significantly to their success, including the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations victory.

7. Marouane Fellaini-Bakkioui - Shandong Taishan

• Date of Birth: 22 November 1987
• Age: 35 years (as of 2023)
• Place of Birth: Etterbeek, Belgium

Marouane Fellaini, a midfielder known for his aerial prowess and physical presence, currently plays for Shandong Taishan in the Chinese Super League. Fellaini had successful spells with Everton and Manchester United, where his versatility and strength made him a valuable player. He also represented Belgium in multiple international tournaments.

6. Mohamed Salah - Liverpool FC

• Date of Birth: 15 June 1992
• Age: 31 years (as of 2023)
• Place of Birth: Nagrig, Egypt

Mo Salah, one of the highest-paid athletes, is a skilled winger for Liverpool FC and captain of the Egypt national team, celebrated for his exceptional speed, dribbling prowess, and goal-scoring ability.

He has been pivotal in Liverpool’s recent successes, including their Premier League and Champions League triumphs. Salah is a devout Muslim, often seen celebrating goals with a sujood (prostration).

5. N’Golo Kante - Al-Ittihad

• Date of Birth: 29 March 1991
• Age: 32 years (as of 2023)
• Place of Birth: Paris, France

N’Golo Kante is a defensive midfielder known for his incredible work rate, interceptions, and humble demeanor. Playing for Al-Ittihad and the France national team, Kante is often described as one of the best midfielders in the world.

He has won the Premier League with Leicester City and Chelsea, the Champions League, and the 2018 World Cup with France. Off the pitch, Kante is admired for his modesty and charitable activities.

4. Paul Pogba - Juventus

• Date of Birth: 15 March 1993
• Age: 30 years (as of 2023)
• Place of Birth: Lagny-Sur-Marne, France

Paul Pogba, valued at around $125 million, is a multifaceted midfielder renowned for his physical prowess, creative flair, and potent shooting ability. Currently representing Juventus and the France national team, Pogba's versatility in midfield makes him a highly prized asset.

His career highlights include winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France and multiple domestic titles with Juventus. Pogba is also recognized for his vibrant personality and philanthropy.

3. Mesut Ozil - Retired

• Date of Birth: 15 October 1988
• Age: 35 years (as of 2023)
• Place of Birth: Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Mesut Ozil is a retired attacking midfielder renowned for his exceptional vision, passing, and technical ability. He played for top clubs such as Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Fenerbahçe. Known for his elegance on the ball and his ability to unlock defenses with precise passes, Ozil has left an indelible mark on football.

His accolades include a World Cup win with Germany in 2014 and numerous individual awards. Ozil is also known for his charitable work and deep Islamic faith, often seen reciting the Quran before matches

2. Karim Benzema - Al-Ittihad

• Date of Birth: 19 December 1987
• Age: 35 years (as of 2023)
• Place of Birth: Lyon, France

Karim Mostafa Benzema is one of the most prolific strikers of his generation. He plays for and captains the Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad. Known for his technical prowess, vision, and finishing skills. Pulse Sport previoulsy reported that Karim Benzema took to social media to show off how he’s enjoying his Saudi millions

Benzema has had an extraordinary career, predominantly at Real Madrid, where he won numerous titles, including five UEFA Champions League trophies.

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, Benzema is celebrated for his ability to link play and his knack for scoring crucial goals.

1. Wahbi Khazri - Montpellier

• Date of Birth: 8 February 1991
• Age: 32 years (as of 2023)
• Place of Birth: Ajaccio, Corsica, France

Wahbi Khazri is a dynamic midfielder known for his creativity, technical skills, and versatility on the field. Currently playing for Ligue 1 club Montpellier, Khazri has had an illustrious career with numerous clubs and has been a pivotal player for the Tunisian national team.

His journey includes significant stints at Bastia, Bordeaux, Sunderland, and Saint-Étienne. With 74 caps and 25 goals for Tunisia, he has made a lasting impact on international football, notably serving as the national team captain.