The only confirmation about his religious views could be taken from a video that, apparently, has not been translated into English by a reputable news source. The list of famous football players around the globe who have decided to convert to Islam during the early or later years of their lives is long. Six famous football players converted to Islam 1. In fact, about half of all converts to Islam (53%) identified as Protestant before converting; another 20% were Catholic. A community of Syrians who converted to Christianity from Islam is growing in Kobani, a town besieged by Islamic State for months, and where the tide turned against the militants four years ago. It appeared Adebayor was a practising Christian until recently, as he used to post pictures of himself with a priest to Facebook with captions praising God. He started a football career in Liberia. It is not known when she converted to Islam. The footballer, however, hasn't made any public announcements about his conversion. But he only announced his conversion in 2004 in UAE, and adopted the name Abdul-Salam Bilal. Jermaine Jackson was member of The Jackson 5. COVID-19: US warns its citizens against travelling to Tanzania, says country has... COVID-19: US warns its citizens against travelling to Tanzania, says country has level 4 coronavirus, William Ruto wants BBI amended further, strongly hints at opposing referendum, Man causes stir online after jumping on money truck for a ride, INTERPOL issues global alert to 194 countries, warns criminals are targeting COVID-19 vaccines, Meru: Drunk junior police officer descends on his boss with blows and kicks, Ned Nwoko reveals he married Regina Daniels in 3 weeks, says he will add another wife, COVID-19 kills 10 more patients in Kenya as UK, Russia approve vaccines for mass rollout, Meet the newest millionaire in town who won KSh23.8M Sportpesa jackpot (photos). Franck Ribery. Among those who have converted to Islam, a majority come from a Christian background. Scroll down to the bonus material. He converted from Islam to Christianity. Ribery said in statement that his wife Wahiba Belhami, who is of Algerian origin, was the main reason behind his conversion. Anelka kept his religious beliefs private for a long time. Jermaine Jackson. We have amazing stories of how people found Islam and how their life changed for the better. Born on August 6, 1983, Dutch player Robin van Persie is said to have converted to Islam after meeting Bouchra Van Persie, born Bouchra Elbali, who is of Moroccan origin. Annie Besant – British socialist, theosophist, women's rights activist, writer, … “ISIS members were terrorizing people and then going to … He converted to Christianity around six months ago. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Eric Abidal. Famous Football Players Who Converted to Islam, Morocco Votes ‘Yes’ in Historic UN Vote on Cannabis, Tangier Court Defers Trial of Adnane Bouchouf’s Murderer, Again, Ukraine Intends to Negotiate Free Trade Agreement With Morocco, UK Approves COVID-19 Vaccine For Use, Scramble For Vaccines Begins, Morocco’s FM: COVID-19 Will Pass, Migration Issues Will Remain, Migration: EU Keen to Maintain ‘Privileged Partnership’ With Morocco, Libyan MPs to Hold Decisive Meeting in Libya Following Talks in Morocco, Spain Stresses UN’s ‘Central Role’ in Resolving Western Sahara Dispute, El Othmani: Moroccans’ Ardor to Defend Territorial Integrity Inspires Pride, European Commissioner: Morocco a ‘Credible Partner’ of EU, Germany Assists Morocco’s Economy, Development With €1.3 Billion, Morocco Requests EU’s Support with Mohammed VI Investment Fund, Morocco’s Projects in Southern Provinces Reach 70% Completion Rate, Western Sahara: How Morocco Outmaneuvered Algeria with Africa, UN, Security Council Sahara Resolutions’ Evolving Terminology, 2008-2020, Algeria’s Western Sahara Agenda Threatens Regional Prosperity, “War and Peace” in Western Sahara: Restoring Cross-Border Trade with Africa, Travel to Morocco: Major Moroccan Cities and How to Get Around, Moroccan Food: 5 Healthy Late-Night Moroccan Meals, Ferromirum Oukherbouchi: Ancient Moroccan Shark Leads to New Discovery, Hassan Hajjaj: Somewhere Between Modernity and Tradition, Morocco’s Princess Lalla Hasnaa Celebrates 53rd Birthday, Moroccan Doctors Strike Against Recurring Issues, COVID-19 Doesn’t Help, Colonialism and Conflict: Facts About the Map of Morocco, International Reporters’ Guide to Western Sahara Tensions. George was born in 1966. The seed may have been sown by her childhood travels, but Lady Evelyn's faith was apparently cemented after a … A Togolese footballer who plays as a forward for English club Tottenham Hotspur and the Togo... 2. These cookies do not store any personal information. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Also on rt.com Mo Salah poses with young fan who broke his nose trying to greet Liverpool star (PHOTOS) Bird says that converting to Islam hasn't changed him or his personality in any dramatic way, but he says his 'heart is better' after abandoning the rituals of gambling and drinking which he said dominated his football supporting for years. Eid Al Adha in Morocco: How Many Sheep Can You Fit in a Jeep. A lot of people believe van Persie, a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a striker for Turkish club Fenerbahçe and is the captain of the Netherlands national team, is a Muslim. Conversion to a new religion is not a step to be taken lightly, especially if the philosophy greatly differs from what you are familiar with. More And More People are Turning to Islam, especially after 9/11. Joram Van Klaveren, a former far-right Dutch politician, says he has converted to Islam. A Togolese footballer who plays as a forward for English club Tottenham Hotspur and the Togo national team has recently converted to Islam in a ceremony recorded and posted to YouTube. They reverted willingly. A former defender of FC Barcelona is married to the Algerian-born Hayet Kebir who is a former gymnast. It’s not only about the … Here are some of the most interesting. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. According to Blum, he prays five times a day and eats halal food. • Aslan Abashidze – this former leader of the Ajarian Autonomous Republic in western Georgia was born into a renowned Muslim Ajarian family, but later he converted to Christianity. According to Ezeugo, he embraced Islam after being inspired by the life of Prophet Mohammad. Do not assume that every convert Muslim you come accross will be a guiding beacon of light for you for you. Converted to Vaishnavism after a killing to make amends; Susenghphaa (r. 1603-1641)– Ahom king, during his rule the Ahom-Mughal conflicts began; From non-theistic religious backgrounds. Loading... Abibal is a French footballer who retired due to health problems. In March … Thierry Daniel Henry, a retired French professional footballer, who played for Monaco, Juventus, Barcelona, New York Red Bulls and spent eight years at Arsenal, is believed to be a Muslim. Bob Denard – French soldier and mercenary leader. All Rights Reserved. But if you have studied Islam and considered the issue carefully, there are prescribed steps you can follow to formally declare your Muslim faith. His conversion brings to mind dozens of famous football players who have converted to Islam from a different religion or from no religion. A German footballer has announced his reversion to Islam in January 2015. French football player and Arsenal’s legend striker, Thierry Henry, announced his conversion to Islam in December 2008 on the former Aljazeera Sports Channel, now beIN sports. This material may not be published, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Theresa Corbin, who converted to Islam at age 21, chooses to wear the hijab, or head scarf. The Dutch footballer, who plays for the Netherlands national football team and Manchester United, has never talked about his religion, but reports say he is a non-practicing Muslim. He was the second lead vocalist of the group, after his famous-brother Michael Jackson. Another French footballer who is now a player-manager of Mumbai City FC has converted to Islam when he was sixteen. It was in the year 2004 that Anelka converted to Islam. The list of football players around the globe who have decided to convert to Islam during the early or later years of their lives is long. Henry told the Qatar-based channel that his Muslim mates in the national club, Franck Ribery and Eric Abidal, had played a significant role in his conversion. Please check your email for further instructions. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. “I was about to celebrate Mass at a Maronite church in San Diego and I said hi … He was 16 years old when he converted to Islam from Christianity by the influence of some of his childhood friends and he also took the Muslim name of Abdul-Salam Bilal. Leave your email to receive our newsletter, Get the news that matters from one of the leading news sites in Kenya, Drop your mail and be the first to get fresh news. Begum Samru – powerful lady of north India, ruling a large area from Sardhana, Uttar Pradesh. © Morocco World News. A French retired professional footballer, who had been diagnosed with a tumour in his liver in March 2011 and a year later underwent a second operation on it, has converted from Catholicism to Islam and changed his name to Bilal Eric Abidal right after his wedding in 2007. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Tuko has gathered six famous footballers who chose to join one of the largest religions in the world. Other Muslim women around the world wear various garments as part of their faith. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. However do tell other non Muslims about Islam. Tillakaratne Dilshan, Sri Lankan cricket player who converted from Islam to Buddhism at the age of 16, previously known as Tuwan Muhammad Dilshan Kenneth Pai, son of KMT Muslim General Bai Chongxi, a Chinese American writer of Hui descent A soaring number of Muslims, many of them refugees from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, are converting to Christianity, breathing new life into Europe’s once floundering Christian churches. A French professional footballer who plays for German club Bayern Munich converted to Islam in 2002 because of his wife, Wahiba Belhami, and added Muslim name Bilal. New content will be added above the current area of focus upon selection He immigrated to Europe and was a football player of Monaco, AC Milan and Chelsea and became the football player of the year in 1995 by FIFA. Thierry Henry (famous football players who converted to Islam) While Franck Ribery and Eric Abidal are well known for being Muslim converts, many fans … Snopes Staff Published 22 January 2015 In 2002, Bayern Munich’s midfielder Franck Ribery took the Shahada (the declaration of faith affirming the oneness of God and the acceptance of Muhammad as His prophet) and changed his name to Bilal. Stories of converts to Islam. However, this information isn't confirmed either by the footballer or by any other reliable source. There is speculation that Robin Van Persie, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are Muslim, but I do not include them in this list because they … According to the several existing translations, Henry says that he feels closer to Islam than any other religion, that he respects his Muslim friends, and that if he were to convert to a religion, it would be Islam. Cat Stevens. Born in Lyon, France, on September 11, 1979 to immigrant parents from Africa, Eric Abidal embraced Islam and changed his name to Bilal Eric Abidal so he could marry the Algerian-born Hayet Abidal. You can end up leading other Muslims astray. He is married to a Moroccan-Dutch wife, Bouchra van Persie, who has embraced Islam, BUT he has said "I am not a Muslim nor a Christian, nor Jew". Morocco World News is dedicated to bringing the news of Morocco and the MENA region to a wide audience without bias or a political agenda. In a letter sent to the Persians, the caliph bluntly stated, "You should convert to Islam, and then you will be safe, for if you don't, you should know that I have come to you with an army of men that love death, as you love life." Christians , Catholics, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, Pagans, Buddhists have converted to Islam. Converted from Roman Catholicism to Judaism, then Islam and eventually back to Roman Catholicism. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Those brothers and sisters who have converted to Muslims have been the most succesful in calling non Muslims to Islam. How Much Does COVID-19 Treatment Cost in Morocco? Morocco Seizes 35 Kilograms of Cocaine in Collaboration with US DEA, Hamza Mon BB: Marrakech Court Postpones Appeal Hearing to December 14, Morocco Joins Governing Board of UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, Mohammed VI University in Benguerir Launches School of Computer Science, English Proficiency Index: Morocco Scores ‘Low,’ Ranks 74th Globally, Morocco Team Wins Two Huawei 2020 ICT Competition Prizes, Morocco’s Public Primary Schools to Teach Jewish History, Morocco Confirms 3,508 New COVID-19 Cases, 69 Deaths in 24 Hours, Minister: Moroccans Will Need ‘COVID-19 Passport’ to Travel Abroad, Morocco to Decide on State of Health Emergency Extension Thursday, COVID-19: Morocco Counts 45,199 Active Cases, 5,846 Total Deaths, Jewish Community Urges South Africa to Support Morocco’s Guerguerat Action, Japan Stresses Importance of Free Movement in Guerguerat, Belgium Supports Freedom of Movement in Guerguerat, 6 Delicious Moroccan Foods to Keep You Warm This Winter, Healthy Eating: 7 Foods to Boost and Strengthen Your Immune System, 8 Types of Cookies That Sweetened Every Moroccan’s Childhood, Easy Recipe for Cooking Lentils the Moroccan Way, Travel to Morocco: 8 Best Places to Visit in Casablanca, USA Today Celebrates Charming Marrakech Souks, Travel: The Top 10 Most Instagrammable Places in Morocco, Disney Takes Ownership of Moroccan Pavilion in EPCOT Theme Park, Florida, Morocco Celebrates 65th Anniversary of Independence Day, Ajnabia Odysseus: Paleontologists Unearth New Dinosaur Fossil in Morocco, Designer Ghitta Laskrouif Sheds Light on Sustainable Fashion in Morocco, Adidas Adds Moroccan Tile Pattern to Iconic ‘Stan Smith’ Shoe, Beautiful Moroccan Decor and Furniture to Enhance Your Home Design, IDYR: The Art of Moroccan Boucherouite Meets Eco-Consciousness, Travel to Morocco: 5 Best Hammams to Visit in Marrakech, Fez Art Lab: Supporting the Artists of Morocco’s Cultural Capital, Travel to Morocco’s Capital: The Best Places to Visit in Rabat, Polisario Supporters Storm Moroccan Consulate General in Valencia, The Voice Kids: French-Moroccan Sisters Amaze Judges to Reach Finals, Video Shows Children Witnessing, Surviving Beirut Explosion, Video: Beirut Explosion Leaves Royal Air Maroc Agency in Ruins, ‘Morocco’s Warrior Women’: The Inspirational Riders Taking on Fantasia, California to Morocco: A Student’s COVID-19 Diary of Self-Discovery, Travel in Morocco: Exploring Tinmel Mosque, a Hidden Gem. Morocco World News: Championing Free Speech and Thoughtful Debate Through Journalistic Excellence. Another woman of Algerian origin was also behind FC Barcelona former defender Eric Abidal’s conversion from Catholicism to Islam. His conversion brings to mind dozens of famous football players who have converted to Islam from a different religion or from no religion. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. five famous football players converted to Islam The list of football players around the globe who have decided to convert to Islam during the early or later years of their lives is long. Nicolas Anelka was born on March 14, 1979, in France. He went though his formal conversion only in 2004 in UAE, and adopted the Muslim name of Abdul-Salam Bilal. People have posted on social media that they want to convert to Islam because of these players. Unsubstantiated rumor claims former CIA Director John Brennan is a Muslim who converted to Islam while stationed in Saudi Arabia. Signs of this conversion are showing up in the U.S. too, Pacwa said. Anelka played for top clubs in Europe like Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Chelsea. Simon Fernandez/Wikimedia Commons. Broery – Indonesian singer (from Christianity to Islam back to Christianity). Born : 11 December 1954 Birthplace : Gary, Indiana, US Occupation : Singer, musician, record producer. D). He describes Islam as a religion of hope and strength. Sign up to the best of our news, informed analysis and opinions on what matters to you. Muhammad Ali‘s public conversion to Islam, in 1964, was among the most defining moments of his remarkable life.The decision enraged his critics — … A former Nigerian football defender and midfielder who played in 1994 World Cup converted to Islam in February 2012. In this posting, we will talking about football players, especially in European Clubs, as we know it's dominated by the Christian players or non muslims, but in fact there are many Muslim Football Players, who was born as a muslim or convert to Islam as a new muslim. Anelka, the former striker of some of the biggest clubs in Europe such as Real Madrid, Juventus, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool, was sixteen when he converted to Islam. Zayn Malik. According to Ribery, religion is his privacy and he is feeling physically and mentally stronger since he preferred Islam. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. List of converts to Islam Famous Converts to Islam Note: No one raised a sword or pointed a gun at them. Cat Stevens convert to Islam in 1977 and adopted the name Yusuf Islam. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. A presence in the game. Thanks for subscribing! Rabat – Togolese football star, Emmanuel Adebayor, converted to Islam over the weekend, making headlines worldwide. A French professional footballer who plays for German club Bayern Munich converted to Islam in 2002... 3. Rabat - Togolese football star, Emmanuel Adebayor, converted to Islam over the weekend, making headlines worldwide. Unlike his fellow French national team member Franck Ribery, whose conversion to Islam was public and who always prays before matches, France’s Nicolas Anelka kept his religious beliefs private, and in fact hid his conversion from the public for years. We also debunked some rumors. While Franck Ribery and Eric Abidal are well known for being Muslim converts, many fans may be unfamiliar with other football players who converted to Islam, such as Thierry Henry and Robin Van Persie. Like Jasim, Firas also turned away from Islam after witnessing ISIS atrocities. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. More: CNN News: a quarter of the estimated six million Muslims in the United States are Converts! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. However, this is far from the truth. The following is a collection of enlightening, and inspiring stories of converts to Islam. French internationals players Franck Ribery and Eric Abidal are the “poster children” of famous Muslim converts among football players. Emmanuel Adebayor. In 1978, the famous singer shocked the world when he publicly converted to Islam and changed his name from Cat Stevens to Yusuf Islam.