DJed Spence is poised to make history as the first Muslim footballer to play on the senior England team. The 25-year-old Tottenham defender expressed pride in being a pioneer and how his faith helped him navigate the toughest periods of his career.
The Football Association will also recognize the milestone as when the openly Muslim player represented the senior England team ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifying against Andorra at Villa Park. Spence said: “It’s a blessing, it’s amazing. I saw something like that, and I was really surprised.
“I think if I can, it shows whether it can be, not just a Muslim child, but a child of any faith. Put your heart on something, you can do it.
Spence’s career was a whirlwind journey, taking him from Middlesbrough to Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, and to Lawn Spell with Rennes, Leeds and Genoa.
His path wasn’t without the challenge, including harsh criticisms from former Spurs boss Antonio Conte and former Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock, but his faith was his guided light.
Spence declared: “First of all, God is the best. I pray a lot and thank God.
“In the harshest, darkest moments of my life, I always believed that God was by my side. When I win, when I am in a good moment, I promote Him because God was always there by me.”
Spence arrived at Tottenham in 2022 and despite truly finding his foot under Angiposkoglu last season, supporters consistently gathered behind him.
His passion, strength and relentless work from either side have loved him for his loyal people, and fans regularly demand his inclusion, even among bystander spells.
For the latest broken stories and headlines, sign up for the Daily Express Transfer Newsletter.
This brings joy to the defenders along with unwavering support from his three elder sisters, Father Simon, and his biggest champion, Mother Aisha.
Today, Spence enjoys the fruits of his labor and praises his thinking and resilience as a key factor in his rise.
Spence explained: “I don’t take a tough trip, but it was a long journey. There were good times and bad times, but when you trust yourself and trust God, I think everything is in line with itself.
“Without a strong mentality, you won’t get to the top, and I definitely have a strong mentality, especially to fight through challenges.
“Sometimes in football when things get worse, they really get worse. I was injured before the euro after lending, playing, and then stopped playing…and they loved it.
“It was my plan to always reach the senior team. It may not have been very close to my vision. It’s a blessing.”
Conte represented Nadir during his time at Tottenham, but it was Post Coglu who helped secure the Europa League victory.
Spence is equally enthusiastic about new Spurs boss Thomas Frank.
Spence continues.
“It’s just learning. I want to be the best in my position, and I want to do that.
“Ange Postecoglou made me a champion, so I’m always grateful to him. And he was a good manager, a good guy. I have nothing else to say about it.
“Thomas Frank is amazing. He’s amazing to me, he’s full of confident, very open, just realistic managers. I think he’s amazing to the club.”
