While some famous Muslim players who converted to Christianity did so due to influence from their friends and loved ones, others did so to seek comfort from the Christian religion.
Regardless, these players’ experiences demonstrate the power of faith and how it can change a person’s life both on and off the pitch.
Here is a list of Muslim footballers who converted to Christianity and what inspired them to change their faith.
1. Samuel Kuffour
Samuel Kuffour is a former Ghanaian footballer who played for various clubs such as Bayern München and AFC Ajax.
The former defender announced his conversion to Christianity in BBC’s 2003 documentary Heart and Soul. He made this decision after his daughter Godiva died in a drowning accident.
According to him, Christianity made him appreciate the things he had (such as a career and properties) despite losing his daughter.
Once he became a Christian, he would pray before games. When he once prayed in Munich, Germany, the Muslims there stared at him unbelievably.
However, Samuel overcame the awkwardness by interacting with his fellow German Christians.
2. George Weah
George Weah was born into a Christian family. While still a boy, he converted to Islam due to the religion’s dominance in his Liberian neighborhood.
He stuck to his Islamic faith even more when he played soccer for the AS Monaco in France.
The former footballer converted to Christianity after attending a church service at Jireh International Faith Mission Church in 2004.
UG Christian News reports that he abandoned his Islamic faith, citing coercion from his former manager, Mohammed Siliby. He felt his manager would drop him as a soccer player had he identified as a Christian.
He made this confession after the congregation asked him whether he was a Muslim or a Christian. Since he grew up practicing both religions, it’s understandable why they would ask him that.
3. Djibril Cisse
Djibril, a former French forward, is among the Muslim football players who converted to Christianity.
He was born to Guinean and Ivorian parents, who were both Muslims. Living with parents who practiced the faith naturally led him to adopt Islam.
Ultimately, Djibril Cisse converted to Christianity in 2007 after marrying his Christian wife, Jude Littler.
Unfortunately, he began experiencing marital problems in 2012. That was evident whenever they would fight each other on Twitter. He divorced her, and it’s unclear whether or not he is still a Christian.
4. Sean Davis
When talking about famous Muslim footballers who converted to Christianity, it would be odd to leave Sean Davis out.
After all, he was known for his combativeness as a midfielder for Pompey, Portsmouth, in the late 2000s.
His then-teammate Linvoy Primus introduced him to Christianity, and the Faith and Football organization also helped him on this journey.
Thanks to continuous interactions with Linvoy and the organization, Sean saw it fit to convert to Christianity in 2015.
5. Kevin-Prince Boateng
Born in March 1987, Kevin-Prince Boateng, the German midfielder, is also on the list of Muslim footballers who converted to Christianity.
Although unconfirmed, some believe Kevin became a Muslim because of his Turkish friends and girlfriend.
Some believe he converted to Christianity in 2023 after meeting his future bride, Jenny. However, that is untrue based on his Instagram post about his conversion.
After posting his baptism photo, he captioned it with a Bible verse from Revelation 3:20. The verse talks about Jesus figuratively knocking on our door to offer salvation.
Going by that verse, Kevin likely converted to Christianity as a way of repenting.
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