Ramadan has begun and Muslim football players worldwide, including those in the English football scene, will be fasting and focusing on their faith.
There are 253 Muslim players in the first teams and academies of the top four tiers of English football, making up approximately 5% of the total.
Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure loves Ramadan and has always been able to practice it without affecting his physical condition. He believes that his faith has helped him overcome many obstacles in his career and praises Liverpool's Mohamed Salah as a good example of a Muslim footballer.
Muslim players in the Premier League maintain a strong relationship with their faith on and off the pitch.
Everton's Doucoure, Gueye, and Onana form an all-Muslim midfield, praying in the dressing room and attending the mosque for Jummah - Friday prayers.
As the holy month of Ramadan begins, Muslim football players worldwide, including those in the English football scene, will be fasting and focusing on their faith.
According to Nujum Sports, there are 253 Muslim players in the first teams and academies of the top four tiers of English football, making up approximately 5% of the total.
Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure Shares His Experience
Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure told BBC Sport that he loves Ramadan and has always been able to practice it without affecting his physical condition.
Doucoure, born in France to Malian parents, believes that his faith has helped him overcome many obstacles in his career.
He also praised Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah as a “good example” of a Muslim footballer.
Doucoure and his fellow Muslim teammates Idrissa Gueye, Amadou Onana, and Asmir Begovic at Everton each have individualized meal plans during Ramadan, prepared by the club’s performance nutritionist Lloyd Parker.
Their typical meal before starting the fast includes porridge, eggs or jam on toast, and fruit juice, while their nightly three-course meal consists of minestrone soup, a pasta or rice dish, and a dessert like apple crumble or jam roly-poly.
Practicing Faith On and Off the Pitch
Muslim players in the Premier League maintain a strong relationship with their faith on and off the pitch.
Everton’s Doucoure, Gueye, and Onana form an all-Muslim midfield, praying in the dressing room and attending the mosque for Jummah – Friday prayers.
The understanding and cooperation displayed by the football community during Ramadan demonstrate its inclusivity and adaptability to accommodate players of various faiths.
The players’ dedication to their faith has not only brought them closer as teammates but also garnered respect from their clubs and fellow players.
Match Officials Allow Players to Break Fast During Matches
Sky Sports News exclusively revealed that match officials have been asked to permit players to break their fast during evening matches over Ramadan.
Players such as Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez, and Chelsea’s Ngolo Kante are expected to fast during the holy period.
Refereeing bodies have issued guidance for match officials to allow natural pauses in play for players to break their fast by consuming liquids, energy gels, or supplements.
Two years ago, Leicester City’s match against Crystal Palace was paused mid-game, allowing Wesley Fofana and Cheikhou Kouyate to break their fast in what is believed to be a Premier League first.
The understanding and cooperation displayed by the football community during Ramadan demonstrate its inclusivity and adaptability to accommodate players of various faiths.
South Asian Women in English Football Recognized
A first-of-its-kind timeline documenting the history of South Asian heritage female players in the modern English game has been created, featuring 20 current and former players who have made an impact in various leagues across Britain.
West Bromwich Albion forward Mariam Mahmood, one of the four role-model players highlighted in the timeline, expressed her hope that the initiative would raise positive awareness and encourage more children, especially girls from South Asian backgrounds, to take up the game and enjoy playing football.
