Famous Footballers Who Converted To Islam

Danny Blum

It was way back in January 2015 that this German Footballer officially made a reversion to Islam and also officially announced it. In an interview a few months back, he also said that he only eats Halal food and prays five times a day and follows all the rules and rituals of being a Muslim. He also described Islam as a religion which offers hope and strength.

Nicolas Anelka

Nicolas Anelka formally converted to Islam in 2004. He is also the play-manager of Mumbai FC. He was only 16 when he converted to Islam. For the longest time he kept his feelings and beliefs for Islam hidden and only at an appropriate time he came out officially. He also has adopted Muslim name which goes by Abdul-Salim Bilal.

Emeka Ezeugo

He is a retired Nigerian footballer and also one of the best defenders and midfielders of Nigeria who played in the 2004 World Cup. It was in 2012, he announced his conversion to Islam. He was reportedly inspired by the life and principles of Prophet Mohammed and that strengthened his beliefs for Islam.

Eric Abidal

The French footballer who played as a defender for Barcelona was diagnosed with a tumour in his Liver in 2011. Later we went through a second operation and also transplanted his Liver. After his wedding in 2007, he changed his religion and converted from Christianity to Islam. He also changed his name Bilal Aric Abidal. His Algerian born wife Hayet Kabir played a major role for his conversion to Islam.

Frank Ribery

Another French footballer who joins this list is Frank Ribery who plies his trade with the German Side Bayern Munich. He converted to Islam in 2002. His conversion was primarily influenced because of his Wife Wahiba Belhami.

Emmanuel Adebayor

The well-known Togo international was inclined to Islam since his teenage years but he officially converted in the recent past. Not only did he go through all the rituals and ceremony, he also happily recorded the video and posted it on YouTube. He is yet to make a public announcement of his conversion though.

Robin Van Persie

Another stalwart of football who has reportedly been linked converting to Islam. Well that seems far from the truth even though many people believe he is a Muslim. The captain of the Netherlands Team and a very important player for the Turkish Club Fenerbahce is married to a Moroccan Dutch wife who has embraced and converted to Islam. If reports are to be believed he has made it clear that he is not a Muslim, neither a Christian nor a Jew.

Thierry Henry

One of the most legendary names in football of the 21st Century, Thierry Daniel Henry is a French professional footballer who is retired. He served the likes of Juventus, Monaca, Ney York Red Bulls and Barcelona. His most loyal and favorite team was Arsenal where he spent eight years. From many reports and rumors, it is believed Henry converted to Islam. In fact he has himself professed that he respects his Muslim friends and if there is one religion he feels closer and connected to, its Islam. He has also professed his willingness to convert to Islam many a times.