While many of the countries participating in the World Cup are plagued by social divisions, some teams offer surprisingly positive examples of how players from different backgrounds and religions can work closely together in pursuit of common goals.
This phenomenon is particularly evident in Western European teams, which for most of soccer’s history were overwhelmingly white and Christian. As these societies have become increasingly diverse, national team rosters have also come to include openly Christian and Muslim players of their faith.
England’s national team includes Muslim players for the first time. France national team roster There are multiple players from Protestant, Catholic, and Muslim backgrounds. Spain’s rising superstar, 18 years old Lamine YamalI am a practicing Muslim. So did Sweden’s Yasin Ayari, who bowed down on the field to thank God after scoring the first of his two goals. Victory over Tunisia on Sunday — his father’s hometown.
All four of these countries have had experience, as have several other countries in Europe. political polarization associated with the arrival of large numbers of Muslim immigrants. Does the diversity of World Cup teams send a potentially beneficial message?
“That’s right,” said Ebou Patel, president of Interfaith America, an advocate of religious pluralism and cooperation. “It’s both symbolic and substantive.”
He evoked images of Christian players making the sign of the cross and Muslim players clasping their hands together in prayer. Patel said their message was that “my identity is really important to me and it makes me a better soccer player.”
“They score, each say their own prayers, and then they hug each other,” he added. “We’re working together to build a community and a team. … This isn’t some contrived TV ad or some condescending after-school special. That’s how you build a good football team.”
Below are some of the World Cup players who have gained attention for being open about their faith.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
The best known Egyptian athletes are: Salah He is a Sunni Muslim and practices his faith openly on and off the field. After scoring a goal, he often prostrates himself to thank God. His positive influence is visible. After he joined Liverpool in the Premier League, researchers reported Anti-Muslim tweets by fans have been cut in half.
Luka Modric (Croatia)
5th World Cup appearance, Modric, 40 years old He is expected to appear in more than 200 international matches during the tournament. Modric, a Catholic, has often worn shin guards depicting Jesus and the Virgin Mary. A few days before leaving for the United States, he and his teammates gathered to celebrate Mass at a chapel in the Croatian town of Icic.
Jed Spence (England)
Although the Football Association does not keep records on players’ religion, the BBC, among other media outlets, identified Spence as the first Muslim to play for England’s first team. Spence, who played as a full-back for Tottenham, made six appearances for England Under-21s. Mr Spence told the BBC: “It’s good to make history and I hope it inspires young children around the world that they can do it too.” “They can do what I do.”
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Yamal, a Muslim man whose father is Moroccan, attracted headlines around the world for his comments. waved the Palestinian flag At Barcelona’s celebration after winning the Spanish league in May. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick questioned the decision at the time. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz later criticized Yamal, saying he was inciting “hatred.”
Marc Gehi (England)
Gehi, 25, the son of a London pastor, is playing his first season for Manchester City and was selected as one of England’s defenders for the World Cup. Although he was captain of his previous club Crystal Palace, Gehi violated the rules of the Football Association A religious message was written on the shirt during the Premier League’s campaign to celebrate LGBTQ+ inclusion. Gehi avoided punishment, but the FA prohibits players from displaying religious messages.
Aymar Sher (Iraq)
Religious minorities in Iraq have long faced persecution. But this year’s World Cup squad includes Kurds, Sunni Muslims, Shiite Muslims and a few Christians. Iraq’s Christian population It is estimated that the population has decreased from 1.5 million in 2003 to around 150,000 today. One such Christian, midfielder Aymar Sher, is passionate about sharing his faith, posting a photo on social media wearing an “I belong to Jesus” T-shirt.
Christian Pulisic (USA)
USA national team forward Pulisic She speaks openly about her Christian faith and often wears a cross necklace given to her by her mother. He has led Bible study teams. His Instagram post includes a photo of a Bible, showing the passages he has underlined. Several of Pulisic’s teammates have also been open about their Christian faith, including Weston McKennie and goalkeeper Matt Freese. McKechnie’s Instagram profile includes just four words: “All glory to God.”
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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The Associated Press collaboration Funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. and in collaboration with The Conversation US. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
