Top 10 Muslim Footballers in the World (2025)

Football has been blessed with some of the great players from across the globe. This beautiful sport has unconditionally united fans and players from across cultures, religions, races, and colours. Over the years, countless Muslim football players have gracefully competed and etched their names in the history book 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.

How We Ranked the Best Muslim Footballers

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. 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.

Muslim Footballers – Top 10 Comprehensive Table

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.

Top 10 Muslim Soccer Players

Each player’s detailed entry below explores their exceptional performances and their prominence as inspiring Muslim athletes, which makes them the best muslim footballers 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. Benzema has played 852 matches in which he has scored 452 goals and helped his team score 192 times. Karim Benzema stands at the number 9 position in our list of the best Muslim players in the world.

9. 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 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 44 games, he has netted six goals and assisted 12 times.

8. Edin Dzeko (Bosnia & Fenerbahce)

Edin Dzeko led the Fenerbahce 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. His 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 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)

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. Hakim Ziyech (Morocco & Galatasaray)

The elegance of Ziyech’s style of football as a whole made him a much-loved figure in Europe. Ziyech consistently breached opposing defenses with his creative brilliance on the flanks. His performances with Galatasaray in the 2024/25 season include 1 goal and 2 assists. His performance on the pitch helped the Turkish side to win the domestic league for the record 5th time.

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

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 best U-23 player in La Liga tag. His work ethic and quiet demeanor are characteristics that are respected among Muslim sportspeople. The feats he accomplished at such a young age serve as motivation to people all over the world. His next campaign should solidify him as a coming star. Additionally, Yamal is also the top contender for the Ballon d’Or.

2. Ousmane Dembele (France & PSG)

Ousmane Dembele is one of the best Muslim Soccer players in the world. Born in 1997, the versatile forward has been climbing the ladder of success quickly in soccer. He represents the French football team and Paris Saint-Germain. The French winger began to savour success in his Borussia Dortmund days. Later on, when he joined FC Barcelona, he stunned culers with his ability to play equally good with both feet. But Injuries kept him away from the pitch and later on, he joined Paris Saint-Germain.

Through utilizing his incredible pace and dribbling skills, he has excelled on the field. Former Barcelona winger, now playing for French side PSG, has been playing a key role in their dominant run in their domestic league and the UEFA Champions League this season. Ousmane Dembele has helped his team win the UEFA Champions League using his extraordinary skills. Till now in his club career, he has scored 101 goals and provided 96 assists in 355 games.

1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Liverpool)

Salah is celebrated for his incredible dribbling, accurate shooting, and scoring ability. Mohamed Salah is one of the most skilled wingers in modern-day soccer. The Egyptian captain 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.

He is doing an exceptional job with the Reds, leading the Premier League Golden Boot race and leading his club in the race to clinch the UEFA Champions League and English League title under Arne Slot. Salah is the best player in the EPL and Europe, according to the current stats. The maestro from Egypt has scored 322 goals and has provided 161 assists.