Top Ten Muslim Footballers

By Haider Ali.

1. Eden Hazard- A young and upcoming player currently plying his trade in the French League forLille. Has been likened to Lionel Messi for his breathtaking runs and mesmerising skills in regards to ball control. Has been mooted with a move to the lavish English Premier League in the not so distant future.
2. Mesut Ozil- a German of Turkish descent captured the imagination of the football world with his influential displays for the German national team during the World Cup. This young Muslim then managed to earn himself a move to the crème de Monte of the football world in the form of Real Madrid.
3. Franck Ribery- Burst onto the scene in Euro 2008 for the French national side and has steadily grown into the role of team leader forFrance. Ribery now plays in the German league for the elite side Bayern Munich. Is a regular attendee of Muslim festivals and has performed Hajj, illustrating his religious dedication.
4. Samir Nasri- Often flouted as the “pretty-boy” of football, he has remained as humble as ever after two big money moves from Marseille to Arsenal and eventually to money-bagsManchesterCity. Always performs dua (Muslim prayer) before he steps onto the pitch.
5. Yaya Toure- Went from the biggest club in football at this current juncture, namelyBarcelona toManchesterCity. Has demonstrated his power-house ability on the pitch on numerous occasions helping to propel City to the apex of the English Premier League.
6. Karim Benzema- Young, talented and ambitious, Benzema is a young Muslim brother highly regarded as one of the best strikers inEurope. Was sought after from French team Lyon but ended up signing for Real Madrid, where after a rocky start has managed to become one of the star attractions of a star-studded team.
7. Nicolas Anelka- in the twilight of his career, Nicolas Bilal Anelka has had a tumultuous vocation .A bit of a journeyman, having played in almost most of the elite leagues in Europe, but nevertheless has reaped the rewards with countless trophies in an array of top teams, which include Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
8. Robin Van Persie- is a convert to the faith of Islam after his marriage to a Moroccan. It seems his change of faith has paid dividends as he is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world. Spearheading the Arsenal attack he is the current leading goal-scorer in his respective league.
9. Kolo Toure- Elder brother of Yaya, Kolo has been around for a while. Is currently playing forManchesterCity who are first in the Premier League. Is also a significant figure for the national sideIvory Coast.
10. Zidane- Despite no longer playing the game, I feel Zinedine Zdane deserves special mention. Having won almost every accolade possible both individually and as apart of a collective he set the benchmark. Is perhaps the greatest Muslim footballer to have ever graced the game and is the one player all young Muslims aspire to.