Top 10 Muslim Footballers in the World (2025)

Football has been blessed with some of the world’s greatest players. This beautiful sport has unconditionally united fans and players from across cultures, religions, races, and colours. Over the years, countless Muslim football players have made their mark and etched their names in the history of the Sport. From legendary players such as Mesut Ozil and Karim Benzema to modern-day stars like Ousmane Dembele and Mohamed Salah, who preach Islam, have cemented their places in football history. These players have lifted some of the biggest glories in club and International football and played with elite clubs in leagues like La Liga, Premier League and more.

Hence, making it to the list of the top Muslim football players in the world. Without making a fuss, 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

Below is a comprehensive table ranking the top 10 Muslim footballers based on their 2024/25 season achievements, evaluated through individual stats, silverware, trophies, international performances, and club/individual awards.

How We Ranked the Best Muslim Footballers?

To rank the best muslim footballers in the world, we made sure players are backed with the given data below, alongside there firm belief in their religion and how they are promoting it on the world stage.

• Individual stats: We have evaluated players’ goals, assists, defensive contributions, and clean sheets, which have helped us evaluate the best muslim footballers around the globe. To rank the best muslim footballer, we have assessed data of the recently concluded season, i.e, 2024/25.
• Silverware & Trophies: This factor worked as a tiebreaker for us while listing the best muslim football players. Players with similar stats were ranked based on the trophies and silverware they won during the 2024/25 season.
• International Performance: We have also assessed Muslim players’ contributions in international tournaments like the UEFA Nations League and others. Key metrics include goals, assists, defensive actions, and leadership in critical matches.
• Individual Awards: This includes personal awards like Ballon d’Or, FIFA Best, or league-specific honors. We prioritized players with multiple individual recognitions and significant contributions to club success.

Note: The data for above mentioned ranking factors are fetched from reputable Football Analysis sites like Fbref, Transfermarkt and Sportsdunia.

Who are the Best Muslim Football Players in the World Right Now?

Each muslim footballers detailed entry below explores their exceptional performances and their prominence as inspiring Muslim athletes, which makes them the best muslim football players in the world.

10. 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 the UEFA Champions League to La Liga, from the 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 one of the best Muslim Soccer players in the world. Muslim footballer Benzema has a total appearance of 852, scoring 452 goals and providing 192 assists for his team. Karim Benzema stands at the number 9 position in our list of the best Muslim players in the world.

9. Ibrahima Konate (France & Liverpool)

The elegance of Konate's style of defending as a whole made him a much-loved figure in Europe. Konate consistently stopped opposing attackers with his brilliance on the backline. His performances with Liverpool in the 2024/25 season include 2 goals and 2 assists in 42 appearances. His performance on the pitch helped the English side to win the domestic league for the record 20th time, which made Liverpool the most successful team in the Premier League alongside Manchester United.

Due to Konate’s self-discipline derived from his faith, he is considered a top Muslim footballer in the league. Konate displays elite mentality through his leadership and clutch moments, showcasing his unparalleled mindset. The French defender also gives to charities, which aligns with the teachings of Islam and promotes the religion in the world. With his performance in the season of 2024/25 season, Konate has solidified his status as an emerging Muslim footballer icon.

8. Edin Dzeko (Bosnia & Fenerbahce)

The Fenerbahce forward Edin Dzeko led the attack with 21 goals and 8 assists in the 2024/25 season. His veteran presence was crucial in their title-contending season. Even at the age of 39, Dzeko is considered a goal-scoring threat to opponents. Dzeko’s leadership and experience helped the Turkish side, Fenerbahçe, in tight matches. Dzeko’s strong hold-up play created opportunities for teammates.

His 2024/25 season was enough to mute his critics, who were saying Dzeko has lost his sharpness and strength due to his age. If we talk about his character, he is calm and composed both on the pitch and off the pitch. Dzeko’s leadership, along with his Muslim faith, made him a role model for youngsters. His mentality is elite, as shown through his 2024/25 consistency. His charity work is in line with Islamic principles, making him one of the best muslim footballers.

7. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Al Ahli)

The Algerian football team captain and one of the best wingers the Premier League has ever seen has been inspiring Muslim players across the world after coming through a hard yet commendable journey. Mahrez is the kind of soccer player who can change the course of a game single-handedly within a minute. Riyad Mahrez has scored 161 times for different clubs combined and helped his teams with goal scoring 133 times.

According to Riyad Mahrez’s latest contract with the Saudi Premier League club, he is one of the highest-paid African footballers 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. His prime at Manchester City was at another level, making him loved by City fans.

6. N’Golo Kante (France & Al Ittihad)

The French International, 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 behaviour. N’Golo Kante has shown the world that by following his religion and applying its principles in real life, one can remain calm even on the field where players are filled with adrenaline.

During his time with Chelsea, he won the Champions League and Premier League after lifting the English domestic title previously with Leicester City in the 2015/16 season. Kante’s heroics propelled France to the FIFA World Cup title in 2018. N’Golo Kante is considered one of the greatest when it comes to midfield. The Frenchman has scored 31 goals and provided 38 assists for different clubs in his career so far.

5. Antonio Rudiger (Germany & Real Madrid)

The German defender Antonio Rudiger is an immensely popular and funny football player. When we talk about his celebrations, he has managed to offend opponent fans, like – Celebrating furiously after beating Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 knockout round. Especially known for his brilliant defensive awareness, leadership qualities and incredible speed. Rudiger is a religious man and a devoted Muslim football player.

Rudiger has been part of some of the successful clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid. After joining the Spanish giants, Los Blancos, in 2022, the German centre-back has already won seven major titles with the La Liga giants. This Muslim footballer has helped many goalkeepers to keep clean sheets in their games. Antonio Rudiger has scored 31 goals and provided 14 assists in his career so far.

4. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco & Paris Saint-Germain)

Achraf Hakimi is one of the most celebrated Muslim players in the history of soccer. The former Real Madrid right back Hakimi is a joy to watch when he has a ball on his feet. His footballing IQ, passing ability, and speed are talked about during important football matches. Many say that he is one of the best right backs in the world in recent years.

Hakimi’s career peaked when he moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Many don’t know that he is deeply connected with the Muslim faith. The 26-year-old defender is having a mad season with the French club; in 54 games, he has netted eleven goals and assisted 16 times.

3. Lamine Yamal (Spain & FC Barcelona)

Yamal helped Barcelona win the 2024/25 title by assisting them to victory many times, which enabled him to top the La Liga assists chart. At 17, his Kopa Trophy win acknowledged him as a global wonder. His game-changing dribbling and vision are unmatched. Some might raise questions about Lamine Yamal’s religious background, but statements from his grandmother and his rituals off the pitch are enough to tell that the player is a practicing muslim.

His remarkable performance throughout the season earned him the top spot in our list of best youngsters in the 2024/25 season. Yamal’s work ethic and quiet demeanor are characteristics that are respected among Muslim sportspeople. The feats Lamine Yamal accomplished at such a young age serve as motivation to people all over the world. Yamal’s next campaign should solidify him as a coming star. Additionally, Yamal is also the top contender for the Ballon d’Or.

2. Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Liverpool)

Mohamed Salah, who is also widely famous for his Egyptian King celebration, which is ranked 9th in our list of best celebrations, holds the no.2 spot in our list of best muslim footballers. Salah is known for his incredible dribbling, accurate shooting and scoring ability in the crucial moments for Liverpool. The Egyptian captain Salah was a cog in the attacking wheel of Jurgen Klopp‘s Liverpool, where he has won prestigious silverware like the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup.

Salah had a fantastic 2024/25 season, leading the Ballon d’Or race until January. He also won the FWA Footballer of the Year award and the Premier League Golden Boot. His strong faith is clear during Ramadan, as he plays while fasting yet still gives his best for the team.

1. Ousmane Dembele (France & PSG)

Born in 1997, the versatile French forward Dembele earns the top spot in our list of the best muslim players in the world. Dembele, who ranks 1st in our Ballon d'Or power rankings, has been climbing the success ladder very quickly in recent times. Apart from PSG, he also represents the French National Side under the manager Didier Deschamps. He came into the limelight when he started playing in the German club Borussia Dortmund, where he not only impressed the club fans but also the neutral fans around the globe. Later on, FC Barcelona signed him for a whopping transfer fee, making him one of the most expensive signings in the world of football.

Cut short to his glorious season at PSG, where now he owns 5 titles, including the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup. His contribution to Luis Enrique's side has been exceptional, as he scored 35 goals in 54 appearances for the Parisian club PSG. Not only has he been a great player on the field, but his off-the-field character often speaks for itself, making him one of the greatest among all the muslim footballers currently.