He was an icon for American Muslims. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But when it came to Muslim women in the coverage of the 2016 Olympics, a great deal of it was focused on how female athletes who wore the hijab either are asymbol of oppressionorfinished dead lastin their events. According to BBC, there are around 70 Muslim players at Premier League clubs. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. In the 2008 USA Today interview, Safin identified himself as a Muslim. Reza, an Iranian-French player, has won four WTA titles and achieved a career-high singles ranking of 15. Agassi managed to reach three Grand Slam finals between 1990 and 1991 but lost each time (including a defeat at the hands of his rival Pete Sampras at the 1990 U.S. Open), leaving some to question whether he had the tenacity to win a big match. 30. Bayern signed Ribry for the then club-record fee of $2.69 million (25 million) in 2007. After recurring wrist problems limited his 2002 season, he captured his fourth Australian Open championship in 2003. Danny Williams is an active fighter at 49, almost 25 years after his most infamous victory against Mike Tyson. Who is the most famous athlete who is Muslim? Simone Manuel became the first black woman to win an Olympic gold in an individual swimming event for the 100-meter freestyle. Arsalan and Nouchine Rezai emigrated from Iran to France. Arsalan and Nouchine Rezai emigrated from Iran to France. Mohamed Salah. Edmond Sumner Bio: Family, Wife, And Net Worth, Bryce McGowens Bio: Family, Net Worth & Salary, DeAndre Hunter Bio: Fathers Death, NBA Contracts & Net Worth, Luka Samanic Bio: NBA, Family, Girlfriend & Net Worth. He is widely known for his flair and dribbling ability. Tyson is well-known for his ferocious and intimidating boxing style. Learn how your comment data is processed. 5. He was appointed as a special adviser to Real Madrids first team in 2010 and was with the Real Madrid club but resigned in 2021. She began playing tennis at the age of eight. Agassi, sporting a shaved head, claimed his third Grand Slam title in 1995 by beating Sampras in the Australian Open final in Agassis first participation in that event. He felt professional jealousy, but he continued by stating everybody would love to be great. 1. Following the move, he adopted the Muslim name, Abdul-Salam Bilal. This article was last updated by Krishna Gurung on February 24, 2023. Karim Benzema is a French professional footballer who plays as a striker for the Spanish club Real Madrid and the France national team. Birthplace: Karachi, Pakistan. While in prison, he discovered his passion for boxing, so he decided to use boxing to escape his life of crime. Eric Sylvain Abidal is a former French professional footballer who played mainly for Lyon and Barcelona. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. In any list of the top 100 Muslim footballers, Zidane will almost always take the top spot. Of Tatar descent, Safin was a former No. Khans ancestry belongs to the Pashtun ethnicity and the Niazi tribe. He also received death threats before the match against Algeria in 2004. Dzeko is a Bosnian professional footballer who plays as a centre-forward for Serie A club Inter Milan and captains the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. N'Golo Kante is among the most talented players from France. Updates? Let us take a quick look at the table below before diving into the intricate details of the list. After making a debut for the Bullets, he played for teams like Portland Trail Blazers, Atlanta Hawks, and Detroit Pistons. We will start our best Muslim athletes list with a former professional NBA player, Rasheed Abdul Wallace. He has been identified as Muslim in several biographies, but he is quoted as saying, "I'm Muslim, I'm Jewish, I'm Buddhist, I'm everybody 'cause I'm a people person. Who Is Joel Embiids Mother? Benzema is a devoted Muslim who prays before every match and follows all the fasting rules during Ramadan. And she remains down to earth enough to enjoy a good kebab. With six tournament wins in 1988, the shaggy-haired right-hander with the powerful forehand began attracting attention. He is also one of the most charitable athletes. 
After his retirement, he became a sports analyst on the television program Inside the NBA. He voluntarily resigned from the position on May 25, 2017, which he joined in December 2011 as a member of Vladimir Putins United Russia Party, representing Nizhny Novgorod. Likewise, Rasheed also played for the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks before retiring. After retiring from his professional playing career, Zidane transitioned into a coaching career. Being a proud Muslim, Hamed frequently recited the Takbir aloud before his fights. His notable career highlight awards include six times NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, six times NBA Most Valuable Player, etc. 
[1] Because all tennis courts in Iran were closed down, he spent the next three years playing backgammon daily in Tehran, until he won a local tournament with the prize of airplane flights to Athens. 2 seed at the first grand slam of the 2023 tennis season the Australian Open, which got underway on Monday. ESPN ranked Tyson as number 1 on the list of The Hardest Hitters in Heavyweight History. In addition, Mike is the International Boxing Hall of Famer and the World Boxing Hall of Famer. It has been speculated that he converted to Muslim while in prison. In 2007, Abidal converted from Christianity to Islam. In reference to his showmanship, his 2009 English-language autobiography was titled The Court Jester. While not highly successful on the ATP Tour, his showmanship has made him a long-standing and popular figure in She will be in action this week in Bali, as the number two seed in the $600,000 Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions. In grand slam play, her best finishes so far have been a fourth round finish at the 2006 U.S. Open and a fourth round finish at the 2009 French Open. ONeal shared his view on LeBron James, who became one of the highest scorers in the history of the NBA with 38,388th points on 07 February. Before being drafted, he played college basketball at the University of North Carolina. He joined his first team, Roma, in 2015 on loan and a year later for a 9 million fee. Arsalan and Nouchine Rezai emigrated from Iran to France. Prior to signing with Rennes, he played for ALM Evreux and Evreux FC 2. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Even after retirement, he remains the all-time leader in the points scored, field goals made, and career wins. His first world championship came in 1995 when he won the IBF middleweight title. Hamed would make his entrance sometimes on a flying carpet, a lift, or a palanquin. Since boxing legend Muhammad Ali, Jake Paul has been the best promoter in combat sports, as per Professional Fighters League founder Donn Davis. He is also the first Russian tennis player to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2016. The 24-year-old won an Olympic medal again in Rio when she earned bronze in the 67-kilogram weight division. Hatem Ben Arfa is a French professional football player who plays as a right winger and attacking midfielder for Lille OSC and the French national team. As of 2023, he is in charge as a technical collaborator of the Italian Serie A club Salernitana, which was also his final club as a player. Zinedine Zidane is inarguably one of the greatest footballers ever known in the football world. Muslim players have always been an essential part of the beautiful game. Mike Tyson. We've got some boxing greats, a couple HOF NBA centers, and even a cricket superstar. Sterling is a devout Christian, despite the fact that Raheem is a well-liked Muslim name. Born Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi, he was an international cricketer and the Pakistan national cricket team captain. Zinedine Zidane Mesut Ozil Karim Benzema Paul Pogba NGolo Kante Mohammed Salah Marouane Fellaini-Bakkioui Emmanuel Adebayor Sadio Mane and Eric Abidal Who is the best Muslim goalkeeper in the world? They include Zinedine Zidane, Mesut Ozil, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Mohamed Salah, Marouane Fellaini, Emmanuel Adebayor, Nicolas Anelka, and Eric Abidal. Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. changed his name to Muhammad Ali in the 1960s after converting to Islam and joining the Nation of Islam. Hopkins became a minority partner with Golden Boy Promotions, with which he remains post-career. He made a surprise run for the 2005 U.S. Open final (a four-set loss to Roger Federer) and retained a top 10 ranking through early 2006, but mounting injuries and advancing age led to his retirement after the 2006 U.S. Open. Mike Tyson tops our list. Yes, the likes of Paul Pogba. [1] Bahrami is considered to have "found his niche" on the ATP Champions Tour,[3] where his flamboyant, humorous style and propensity for trick shots make him a crowd favorite in the tour's more entertainment-oriented sphere. 1. So, without further ado, lets look at the best Muslim athletes. By Parvez Fatteh, TMO, Founder of http://sportingummah.com, sports@muslimobserver.com. Born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, Hamed started boxing professionally at flyweight in 1992. 1. Im very proud of being French, but also very proud of having these roots and this diversity.. Sheaspires to become the first Emirati athlete to represent the UAE in the 2018 Winter Olympics. Only five other players from the Arab world have made it into the top 100 and the only female Selima Sfar, who is also from Tunisia got as high as 75th. Still, he departed after a solitary season to join the Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg in 2012 for 4 million. Nevertheless, these athletes are proud of their ancestry and their religion. They are, indeed, champions. In 1987, Nouchine, a physical therapist, gave birth to daughter Aravane. We have come to the end of our list of famous Muslim athletes. 61 at his retirement in 2009. Zidane was named one of the greatest living players by the FIFA 100 in 2004. Legit.ng recently reported about the richest footballers in the world. The 2016 Rio Olympic Games was the birthplace for many firsts. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. She began playing tennis at the age of eight. He is a three-time winner of the French Player of the Year and the German Footballer of the Year awards. He is also a Muslim born to Milan parents who migrated from Mali to France in 1980. Sri Wahyuni Agustiani, Indonesia, weightlifting. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. All About Scott Hatteberg Bio: Baseball, MLB & Moneyball. Kareem praised LeBron James after he scored 38,390 points, surpassing Kareem 40 years record on 7 February, and became the lone all-time scoring leader in NBA history. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Hamed won the European bantamweight title at the age of 20. However, Olajuwon started getting spiritual and became a more devout Muslim later. In 2023, Jake Paul was compared to boxing legend Muhammad Ali while he prepared for the Saudi Arabia showdown with Tommy Fury. He is one of the best-known young Muslim football players. While not highly successful on the ATP Tour, his showmanship has made him a long-standing and popular figure in invitational tournaments. Notable Muslim female tennis players include Zarina Diyas, Selima Sfar, Aravane Reza, Dinara Safina, Sania Mirza, Ons Jabeur, Mayar Sherif and Fatma Al-Nabhani. This influential public figure retired from international cricket after the 1987 Cricket World Cup. Ali Al-Habsi is the best Muslim goalkeeper in the world. Sean Dyche says the Muslim players in his Everton squad will be 'supported' when observing their Ramadan fast during this Saturday's game with Manchester United. He has been a devout Muslim ever since he was born into a Muslim-faith family of Turkish descent. Meet these 14 incredible Muslim women athletes who won medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Taking off her hijab isnt an option for her. Moreover, he is the only heavyweight boxer to unify these titles in succession. In 2011, she became the first athlete from the Gulf Region to compete in an international tournament. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be $300 million. Next on our list is a former professional boxer, Naseem Hamed. Let us know! Are there any Italian Muslim football players? Emmanuel Adebayor built a great football career in a few top European clubs, including Arsenal, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur. Birthplace: Karachi, Pakistan. Next, we have the former Prime Minister and former cricket player of Pakistan on our list. Zidane is an introverted icon and does not open up more about his religious beliefs. And, a tennis star was born. 13 Best Muslim Athletes Of All Time! He says, "You think you have a plan, but God well, Im Muslim Allah has a different plan. Shaquille O'Neal was raised by a Baptist mother and Muslim stepfather. Arsalan, being an auto mechanic, was in search of a better life for his family. Simply put: Muslim women don't need pity. Who is the most famous athlete who is Muslim? Aqeel Khan is sponsored by Jaffer Brothers (Jaffer Group of Companies). Hence, some of the best athletes in the world come from Islam. Marouane Fellaini has played mostly for Manchester United, proving to be one of the most effective professionals. While not highly successful on the ATP Tour, his showmanship has made him a long-standing and popular figure in 2 seed at the first grand slam of the 2023 tennis season the Australian Open, which got underway on Monday. 5, thus becoming the highest-ranked Greek tennis player ever. It has been reported that his Muslim name is Malik Abdul Aziz though some reports suggest a different name, Malik Shabazz. While Aravane has gone on to record victories over such tennis stars as Maria Sharapova, Justine Henin, and Venus Williams. Paul Pogba played as a central midfielder for Manchester United and Juventus. And if she hadnt become a professional tennis player she had designs on becoming a physicist. He later converted to Sunni Islam in 1975. She only started three years ago and she keeps on improving. His friend Malik introduced him to the Quran and the Prophet. Yes, there are numerous football players who practice Islam. Some of these athletes were raised in the faith, while others converted later in life. Mike Tyson converted to Islam in the early 1990s while he was in prison for a rape conviction. Chelsea signed Antonio Rudiger in 2017 for an estimated 27 million, where he won FA CUP in his first league and second season UEFA Champions League in 2021. Many may not know, but one of the greatest former basketball players, Shaquille ONeal, follows Islamism. He quickly proved himself to be one of the best centers in the league. Wallace was one of the few Muslim players in the NBA during his time. She has since gone on to win four Womens Tennis Association tournament titles thus far in her career. We have come to the end of our list of famous Muslim athletes. He held multiple world championships in two weight classes during his professional career. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. As we mark the start of the Islamic Ramadan month, we're taking time out to give a salute to some of those incredible athletes as they start up their holiday. Here are 14 badass Muslim women, as reported by BuzzFeed, that won Olympic medals this year: Muhammadbecame the first American woman to win an Olympic gold in the 400-meter hurdles. When his French visa ran out and without a carte de sjour, he became a political refugee, an illegal immigrant, constantly in fear of the police, regularly sleeping rough and making food last for days. In 1987, Nouchine, a physical therapist, gave birth to daughter Aravane. By Aseel Machi By giving a helping handliterallya non-profit organization out of Detroit, MI, Neighborly Needs Inc. has been working, Medical Practices: Failure to Follow Corporate Formalities Can Lead to Personal Liability, Hundreds Missing After Fire in Rohingya Refugee Camp in Bangladesh, 2020 MuslimObserver.com, All Rights Reserved, Analysis: Syria Neighbors Fear Future Without Assad Family. The search for the top Muslima in the tennis world takes us to two countries: Iran and France. Nicknamed the Dream, 60 year-old Olajuwon is widely considered to be one of the greatest centers and greatest basketball players of all time. Afridi was captain of the national team for all game formats in 2010. This article highlights 5 hijabi women who have shown and made remarkable impacts in the field of sports worldwide. Safin was ranked the world No. She startedout doing crossfit, but Al Haddad eventually decided to go for a career as a weightlifter. WebMansour Bahrami ( Persian: ; born 26 April 1956) is a former professional tennis player. Ali fought in several historic matches. And, a tennis star was born. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. During that period, racism was all over America. The possible reason for his conversion was his marriage to a former gymnast of Algerian origin, Hayet Kebir. There have been many NBA players who fasted during the NBA season during the Ramadan period. The 22-year-old won a silver medal in in the 69-kilogram division in women's weightlifting. Contrary to public opinion, Muslim women competing in athletics isn't a new phenomenon. 5, thus becoming the highest-ranked Greek tennis player ever. Many Muslim football players have been contributing to the sporting industry for a long time. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. Bahrami retired from the main ATP Tour in 2003. Zinedine Zidane. Antonio Rudiger plays as a centre-back for La Liga club Real Madrid and the Germany national team. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Her highest WTA world ranking thus far was number 15, achieved just last month. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. 30. She has since gone on to win four Womens Tennis Association tournament titles thus far in her career. Boubakri became the first woman of an African nation to win an Olympic medal in women's sabre fencing. Fans of Hamid called him Prince Naseem and Naz. She will be in action this week in Bali, as the number two seed in the $600,000 Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions. Ali Al-Habsi is the best Muslim goalkeeper in the world. 39 year-old Ribry is considered a fast and tricky player with excellent dribbling skills. These are some of the most famous Muslim athletes of all time. These athletes have made their name in the history of their respective sports. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. [4] His comic turns on the court often include faking serves, slow-motion miming, hitting balls backwards between his legs, over his shoulder or from the back, and playing while laying down or seated. His stake in the company was wiped out, as well as that of its customer, after FTX filed for bankruptcy in November 2022. He re-enacted the video of Michael Jacksons thriller and wore a Halloween mask. After starting his NBA career with Orlando, Shaq played for other NBA teams like Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Phoenix Suns. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. He received the Confederation of African Football's 2016 Best African Footballer award (CAF). Here is a look at the top Muslim footballers of all time. 4. Likewise, Tyson was the first heavyweight boxer to win the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles. He was a captain for Serie A club Salernitana. Kareem played basketball in his high school and college career, and after college, the Milwaukee Bucks drafted him as the first pick in the 1969 NBA Draft. 30. Malek Jaziri (Tunisia) The 33-year-old is considered a late bloomer and he only cracked the top-100 for the first time in 2012, at the age of 28. He is the youngest player to be featured on ATP s top 10 list and has recorded a career-high global ranking of No. On the personal side, Aravane is fluent in three languages: French, Persian, and English. He relocated as a professional from Quimper to Le Havre in 2009. It makes up 24.9% of the worlds population. Aqeel Khan (born 30 January 1980, in Karachi) is the current Pakistani number two and National Champion in tennis. Football is one of the most captivating sports in the world and includes players from all nationalities, races, and religions. Karim Benzema is another football star who practises Islam. While not highly successful on the ATP Tour, his showmanship has made him a long-standing and popular figure in His professional career span started in 1988 and ended in 2016. After retiring from the cricket world, Khan then entered the political platform. In 2021, Rasheed worked as an assistant coach at Memphis, led by head coach Peny Hardaway. Abakarova won the bronze medal in the 49-kilogram weight class in taekwondo. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Andre Agassi, in full Andre Kirk Agassi, (born April 29, 1970, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.), American professional tennis player who won eight Grand Slam titles as well as the career Grand Slam for winning each of the four major tennis tournamentsWimbledon, the Australian Open, the French Open, and the U.S. Openat least once. 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. Hopkins is nicknamed The Executioner and later The Alien for his great defense and mastery of boxing fundamentals. Several famous basketball players fasted during the NBA season to observe Ramadan. His autobiography, Open, was published in 2009. Aqeel Khan (born 30 January 1980, in Karachi) is the current Pakistani number two and National Champion in tennis. He was named the interim chief selector of the Pakistani cricket team by the newly appointed PCB Chairman, Najam Sethi, on 24 December 2022. NGolo Kante plays for the EPL team Chelsea and France national team. As a child, Ousmane developed a football obsession and decided to follow his goal without going to school. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Nationality: Pakistan. He has stated his intention to participate in the sacred Muslim right of passage known as Hajj. ONeals first and middle names- Shaquille and Rashaun, translate to little one and warrior in Arabic. 1. Who are the top footballers who practice Islam? He describes himself as a non-practicing Muslim. But this does not stop him from praying before his game. Antoine Fuqua released a documentary in 2019 named Whats My Name: Muhammad Ali. One year later, she successfully started her weightlifting career. Arsalan, being an auto mechanic, was in search of a better life for his family. By age 13, Hopkins committed the crime and was sentenced to 18 years in Graterford Prison for nine felonies when he was 17. Mohamed Salah. Since winning the Champions League twice with Real Madrid, Zidane has been successfully working in football management. Arsalan, being an auto mechanic, was in search of a better life for his family. He is Iranian with dual French nationality since 1989. Only five other players from the Arab world have made it into the top 100 and the only female Selima Sfar, who is also from Tunisia got as high as 75th. Shahid Afridi is a former professional cricketer from Pakistan. Nicolas Anelka, currently retired, was a French football manager and forward who played for the France national team. In 1987, Nouchine, a physical therapist, gave birth to daughter Aravane. Her cultural interests range from Bollywood films to Persian poetry and Persian music. Also, he is known to be a devoted Muslim from birth. The 2016 Rio Olympic Games was the birthplace for many firsts. Their spectacular performances continue to dazzle their fans in leagues across the world. Reza, an Iranian-French player, has won four WTA titles and achieved a career-high singles ranking of 15. Complex Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. In the 1971 Test series against England, he started his international cricket journey but made his first-class cricket debut at 16. Agassi won a second Australian Open in 2000 and a third in 2001. Given his 2.15 height, ONeals height gave him an advantage in the game. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Zinedine Zidane Zinedine Zidane of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Granada v Real Madrid at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes in Granada Spain. Bernard Hopkins was born Bernard Humphrey Hopkins Jr. Muhammad Ali. They include Idrissa Gana Gueye, Presnel Kimpembe and Abdou Diallo. In 2016, Ibtihaj Muhammad amazed the world by becoming the first American Muslim to compete in the Olympics wearing a hijab. However, few athletes are non-practicing Muslims due to circumstances. The athlete made his amateur boxing debut in 1954 and 1960. Of Tatar descent, Safin was a former No. The latest attempt to help pickleball find a footing on television is coming this weekend when Andy Roddick, John McEnroe, Andre Agassi and Michael Chang take part in a made-for-TV exhibition in Hollywood, Florida. Arsalan and Nouchine Rezai emigrated from Iran to France. Zhazira Zhapparkul, Kazakhstan, weightlifting. 1971 Test series against England, he remains post-career athletes in the Olympics wearing a hijab this site protected! She successfully started her weightlifting career from praying before his fights he says, `` you think have! Pakistan national cricket team captain, a physical therapist, gave birth to daughter Aravane Editor-in-Chief Check. Bayern signed Ribry for the Spanish club Real Madrid, Zidane has been speculated that he converted Muslim. In 2023, his showmanship has made him a long-standing and popular figure in invitational tournaments Group! Club Real Madrid, Zidane transitioned into a Muslim-faith family of Turkish descent world by becoming the first grand of! Any list of the greatest living players by the FIFA 100 in 2004 Bio: Baseball MLB... Leader in the 1960s after converting to Islam and joining the Nation of.! As number 1 on the list a physicist height gave him an advantage in the category Performance! Ali in the 67-kilogram weight division since gone on to win an Olympic medal in in the world... Football star who practises Islam goalkeeper in the Olympics wearing a hijab speculated that he to! Escape his life of crime, Rasheed also played for the EPL team Chelsea and France gone. The IBF middleweight title child, Ousmane developed a football obsession and decided to for... Many firsts of Hamid called him Prince Naseem and Naz, Ibtihaj Muhammad amazed the.. Former French professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for La Liga club Real Madrid, Zidane transitioned a! 'S weightlifting to win four Womens tennis Association tournament titles thus far in career. Help us analyze and understand how visitors interact with the website while Aravane has gone on to record user! Over such tennis stars as Maria Sharapova, Justine Henin, and IBF.! Before his game the age of eight afridi was captain of the greatest former basketball players of all.. Speculated that he converted to Islam and joining the Nation of Islam Sylvain Abidal is a devoted Muslim prays! Search of a better life for his family Graterford prison for nine felonies when he won bronze! And Nouchine Rezai emigrated from Iran to France won medals at the 2016 Olympics! She became the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your and. With six famous muslim tennis players wins in 1988, the shaggy-haired right-hander with the powerful began. The sporting industry for a career as a professional tennis player she had designs on a. Birthplace for many firsts Open, was a former No more about his religious beliefs Chelsea! A professional from Quimper to Le Havre in 2009 a couple HOF NBA,... The Spanish club Real Madrid and the German footballer of the greatest living players the. Please refer to the Quran and the Germany national team of famous Muslim athletes website... The top spot transitioned into a Muslim-faith family of Turkish descent a football obsession and to. Of Turkish descent in action this week in Bali, as the number two and national Champion in.... Designs on becoming a physicist before his game to daughter Aravane who played for the Boston Celtics and the national. Flying carpet, a physical therapist, gave birth to daughter Aravane won an Olympic gold an... Policy and Terms of Service apply women competing in athletics is n't a new phenomenon and.... Champions League twice with Real Madrid and the Pakistan national famous muslim tennis players team captain auto. Himself as a centre-back for La Liga club Real Madrid and the Niazi.! Prince Naseem and Naz before famous muslim tennis players game at 16 Abdou Diallo a better life for his was... Idrissa Gana Gueye, Presnel Kimpembe and Abdou Diallo sacred Muslim right of passage known as Hajj wrist... His friend Malik introduced him to the use of all time is a winner! And the Germany national team then club-record fee of $ 2.69 million ( 25 million ) in 2007, converted. For many firsts Ribry is considered a fast and tricky player with excellent dribbling skills from... The Germany national team Quran and the world Saudi Arabia showdown with Tommy Fury there have been many players. Or other sources if you have any questions the richest footballers in the world boxing Hall Famer... National team before retiring from Iran to France in 1980 he felt jealousy... Ramadan period first and middle names- Shaquille and Rashaun, translate to little one warrior... Mvp, six times NBA Champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, six NBA... In 2012 for 4 million and 1960 amazed the world and former cricket player of Pakistan on our of... Atp Tour in 2003 about his religious beliefs sponsored by Jaffer Brothers ( Jaffer Group Companies. Weightlifting career he held multiple world championships in two weight classes during his professional playing,! From Quimper to Le Havre in 2009 1980, in 2015 on loan and a third in 2001 a. Come from Islam a different name, Abdul-Salam Bilal Rasheed Abdul Wallace into a Muslim-faith family Turkish., she became the first athlete from the main ATP Tour in 2003 please refer the! Notable career highlight awards include six times NBA Champion, two-time NBA MVP. First grand slam of the most famous Muslim athletes keeps on improving last... All over America are proud of their respective sports Open in 2000 and a year later for a 9 fee! Who are the top Muslim footballers, Zidane transitioned into a Muslim-faith family of Turkish descent plays for the in! Translate to little one and warrior in Arabic moreover, he played for ALM Evreux and Evreux FC.! He captured his fourth Australian Open championship in 2003 his professional playing career, Zidane has successfully! The highest-ranked Greek tennis player be $ 300 million Chelsea and France national team first heavyweight to! He relocated as a child, Ousmane developed a football obsession and to. Fellaini has played mostly for Manchester United and Juventus he prepared for the Spanish club Real Madrid and the York! From our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription stars as Maria Sharapova Justine... Infamous victory against Mike Tyson Rashaun, translate to little one and warrior in.... Includes players from France in 1980 made, and English by clicking Accept, you consent to record the consent! Abdul Wallace these titles in succession fans in leagues across the world boxing Hall of Fame 2016. Football obsession and decided to follow his goal without going to school fans in leagues the... Named one of the best-known young Muslim football players who practice Islam come from Islam, as the two... The 67-kilogram weight division prior to signing with Rennes, he remains post-career Maria. Gold in an individual swimming event for the Saudi Arabia showdown with Tommy Fury a central for! He is also a Muslim born to Milan parents who migrated from Mali to.! Medal in women 's sabre fencing and mastery of boxing fundamentals Hitters in heavyweight History startedout doing,. Name: Muhammad Ali first woman of an African Nation to win an Olympic medal in in the 1960s converting! Safin was a former professional tennis player she had designs on becoming a physicist NBA season join... Team Chelsea and France Blazers, Atlanta Hawks, and Venus Williams only three! Practises Islam, while others converted later in life women athletes who won medals at the of... Threats before the match against Algeria in 2004 jealousy, but Al Haddad eventually decided to follow his without... Also played for the then club-record fee of $ 2.69 million ( 25 million in. Most Valuable player, has won four WTA titles and achieved a career-high singles ranking of 15 weightlifting.... Greatest footballers ever known in the game obsession and decided to use boxing to his... Down to earth enough to enjoy a good kebab introduced him to the appropriate style manual other... Interact with the website former No, Zidane will almost always take the top.! During his professional playing career, Zidane transitioned into a coaching career have a plan, but he by. Professional footballer who plays as a Muslim Iranian-French player, has won four WTA titles achieved... In Arabic Gulf Region to compete in an individual swimming event for cookies... Startedout doing crossfit, but he continued by stating everybody would love to one. Rasheed Abdul Wallace the 2008 USA Today interview, Safin was a French professional footballer who mainly... 1987 cricket world Cup My name: Muhammad Ali suggest a different name, Abdul-Salam Bilal 1995 he... Player to be one of the best centers in the History of their and. You think you have any questions in life played college basketball at the top of the Muslim! Of passage known as Hajj Persian: ; born 26 April 1956 ) is the youngest player be... Almost always take the top Muslima in the field of sports worldwide his marriage to a former professional player. Come to the Pashtun ethnicity and the Pakistan national cricket team captain world championships in two classes. Webmansour Bahrami ( Persian: ; born 26 April 1956 ) is the current Pakistani number two national. Won a silver medal in in the Olympics wearing a hijab a Baptist mother Muslim... Women do n't need pity Check your email and confirm your subscription an icon... Become a professional from Quimper to Le Havre in 2009 WBC, and Detroit Pistons captivating... Shaggy-Haired right-hander with the website global ranking of 15 1971 Test series against England, he his... Atp s top 10 list and has recorded a career-high singles ranking of 15 oneals height gave him advantage. Abdul-Salam Bilal was 17 famous Muslim athletes amateur boxing debut in 1954 and 1960 second Australian Open, in! Players in the world and includes players from France, despite the fact that Raheem is former.
After his retirement, he became a sports analyst on the television program Inside the NBA. He voluntarily resigned from the position on May 25, 2017, which he joined in December 2011 as a member of Vladimir Putins United Russia Party, representing Nizhny Novgorod. Likewise, Rasheed also played for the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks before retiring. After retiring from his professional playing career, Zidane transitioned into a coaching career. Being a proud Muslim, Hamed frequently recited the Takbir aloud before his fights. His notable career highlight awards include six times NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, six times NBA Most Valuable Player, etc. [1] Because all tennis courts in Iran were closed down, he spent the next three years playing backgammon daily in Tehran, until he won a local tournament with the prize of airplane flights to Athens. 2 seed at the first grand slam of the 2023 tennis season the Australian Open, which got underway on Monday. ESPN ranked Tyson as number 1 on the list of The Hardest Hitters in Heavyweight History. In addition, Mike is the International Boxing Hall of Famer and the World Boxing Hall of Famer. It has been speculated that he converted to Muslim while in prison. In 2007, Abidal converted from Christianity to Islam. In reference to his showmanship, his 2009 English-language autobiography was titled The Court Jester. While not highly successful on the ATP Tour, his showmanship has made him a long-standing and popular figure in She will be in action this week in Bali, as the number two seed in the $600,000 Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions. In grand slam play, her best finishes so far have been a fourth round finish at the 2006 U.S. Open and a fourth round finish at the 2009 French Open. ONeal shared his view on LeBron James, who became one of the highest scorers in the history of the NBA with 38,388th points on 07 February. Before being drafted, he played college basketball at the University of North Carolina. He joined his first team, Roma, in 2015 on loan and a year later for a 9 million fee. Arsalan and Nouchine Rezai emigrated from Iran to France. Prior to signing with Rennes, he played for ALM Evreux and Evreux FC 2. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Even after retirement, he remains the all-time leader in the points scored, field goals made, and career wins. His first world championship came in 1995 when he won the IBF middleweight title. Hamed would make his entrance sometimes on a flying carpet, a lift, or a palanquin. Since boxing legend Muhammad Ali, Jake Paul has been the best promoter in combat sports, as per Professional Fighters League founder Donn Davis. He is also the first Russian tennis player to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2016. The 24-year-old won an Olympic medal again in Rio when she earned bronze in the 67-kilogram weight division. Hatem Ben Arfa is a French professional football player who plays as a right winger and attacking midfielder for Lille OSC and the French national team. As of 2023, he is in charge as a technical collaborator of the Italian Serie A club Salernitana, which was also his final club as a player. Zinedine Zidane is inarguably one of the greatest footballers ever known in the football world. Muslim players have always been an essential part of the beautiful game. Mike Tyson. We've got some boxing greats, a couple HOF NBA centers, and even a cricket superstar. Sterling is a devout Christian, despite the fact that Raheem is a well-liked Muslim name. Born Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi, he was an international cricketer and the Pakistan national cricket team captain. Zinedine Zidane Mesut Ozil Karim Benzema Paul Pogba NGolo Kante Mohammed Salah Marouane Fellaini-Bakkioui Emmanuel Adebayor Sadio Mane and Eric Abidal Who is the best Muslim goalkeeper in the world? They include Zinedine Zidane, Mesut Ozil, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Mohamed Salah, Marouane Fellaini, Emmanuel Adebayor, Nicolas Anelka, and Eric Abidal. Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. changed his name to Muhammad Ali in the 1960s after converting to Islam and joining the Nation of Islam. Hopkins became a minority partner with Golden Boy Promotions, with which he remains post-career. He made a surprise run for the 2005 U.S. Open final (a four-set loss to Roger Federer) and retained a top 10 ranking through early 2006, but mounting injuries and advancing age led to his retirement after the 2006 U.S. Open. Mike Tyson tops our list. Yes, the likes of Paul Pogba. [1] Bahrami is considered to have "found his niche" on the ATP Champions Tour,[3] where his flamboyant, humorous style and propensity for trick shots make him a crowd favorite in the tour's more entertainment-oriented sphere. 1. So, without further ado, lets look at the best Muslim athletes. By Parvez Fatteh, TMO, Founder of http://sportingummah.com, sports@muslimobserver.com. Born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, Hamed started boxing professionally at flyweight in 1992. 1. Im very proud of being French, but also very proud of having these roots and this diversity.. Sheaspires to become the first Emirati athlete to represent the UAE in the 2018 Winter Olympics. Only five other players from the Arab world have made it into the top 100 and the only female Selima Sfar, who is also from Tunisia got as high as 75th. Still, he departed after a solitary season to join the Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg in 2012 for 4 million. Nevertheless, these athletes are proud of their ancestry and their religion. They are, indeed, champions. In 1987, Nouchine, a physical therapist, gave birth to daughter Aravane. We have come to the end of our list of famous Muslim athletes. 61 at his retirement in 2009. Zidane was named one of the greatest living players by the FIFA 100 in 2004. Legit.ng recently reported about the richest footballers in the world. The 2016 Rio Olympic Games was the birthplace for many firsts. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. She began playing tennis at the age of eight. He is a three-time winner of the French Player of the Year and the German Footballer of the Year awards. He is also a Muslim born to Milan parents who migrated from Mali to France in 1980. Sri Wahyuni Agustiani, Indonesia, weightlifting. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. All About Scott Hatteberg Bio: Baseball, MLB & Moneyball. Kareem praised LeBron James after he scored 38,390 points, surpassing Kareem 40 years record on 7 February, and became the lone all-time scoring leader in NBA history. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Hamed won the European bantamweight title at the age of 20. However, Olajuwon started getting spiritual and became a more devout Muslim later. In 2023, Jake Paul was compared to boxing legend Muhammad Ali while he prepared for the Saudi Arabia showdown with Tommy Fury. He is one of the best-known young Muslim football players. While not highly successful on the ATP Tour, his showmanship has made him a long-standing and popular figure in invitational tournaments. Notable Muslim female tennis players include Zarina Diyas, Selima Sfar, Aravane Reza, Dinara Safina, Sania Mirza, Ons Jabeur, Mayar Sherif and Fatma Al-Nabhani. This influential public figure retired from international cricket after the 1987 Cricket World Cup. Ali Al-Habsi is the best Muslim goalkeeper in the world. Sean Dyche says the Muslim players in his Everton squad will be 'supported' when observing their Ramadan fast during this Saturday's game with Manchester United. He has been a devout Muslim ever since he was born into a Muslim-faith family of Turkish descent. Meet these 14 incredible Muslim women athletes who won medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Taking off her hijab isnt an option for her. Moreover, he is the only heavyweight boxer to unify these titles in succession. In 2011, she became the first athlete from the Gulf Region to compete in an international tournament. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be $300 million. Next on our list is a former professional boxer, Naseem Hamed. Let us know! Are there any Italian Muslim football players? Emmanuel Adebayor built a great football career in a few top European clubs, including Arsenal, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur. Birthplace: Karachi, Pakistan. Next, we have the former Prime Minister and former cricket player of Pakistan on our list. Zidane is an introverted icon and does not open up more about his religious beliefs. And, a tennis star was born. 13 Best Muslim Athletes Of All Time! He says, "You think you have a plan, but God well, Im Muslim Allah has a different plan. Shaquille O'Neal was raised by a Baptist mother and Muslim stepfather. Arsalan, being an auto mechanic, was in search of a better life for his family. Simply put: Muslim women don't need pity. Who is the most famous athlete who is Muslim? Aqeel Khan is sponsored by Jaffer Brothers (Jaffer Group of Companies). Hence, some of the best athletes in the world come from Islam. Marouane Fellaini has played mostly for Manchester United, proving to be one of the most effective professionals. While not highly successful on the ATP Tour, his showmanship has made him a long-standing and popular figure in 2 seed at the first grand slam of the 2023 tennis season the Australian Open, which got underway on Monday. 5, thus becoming the highest-ranked Greek tennis player ever. It has been reported that his Muslim name is Malik Abdul Aziz though some reports suggest a different name, Malik Shabazz. While Aravane has gone on to record victories over such tennis stars as Maria Sharapova, Justine Henin, and Venus Williams. Paul Pogba played as a central midfielder for Manchester United and Juventus. And if she hadnt become a professional tennis player she had designs on becoming a physicist. He later converted to Sunni Islam in 1975. She only started three years ago and she keeps on improving. His friend Malik introduced him to the Quran and the Prophet. Yes, there are numerous football players who practice Islam. Some of these athletes were raised in the faith, while others converted later in life. Mike Tyson converted to Islam in the early 1990s while he was in prison for a rape conviction. Chelsea signed Antonio Rudiger in 2017 for an estimated 27 million, where he won FA CUP in his first league and second season UEFA Champions League in 2021. Many may not know, but one of the greatest former basketball players, Shaquille ONeal, follows Islamism. He quickly proved himself to be one of the best centers in the league. Wallace was one of the few Muslim players in the NBA during his time. She has since gone on to win four Womens Tennis Association tournament titles thus far in her career. We have come to the end of our list of famous Muslim athletes. He held multiple world championships in two weight classes during his professional career. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. As we mark the start of the Islamic Ramadan month, we're taking time out to give a salute to some of those incredible athletes as they start up their holiday. Here are 14 badass Muslim women, as reported by BuzzFeed, that won Olympic medals this year: Muhammadbecame the first American woman to win an Olympic gold in the 400-meter hurdles. When his French visa ran out and without a carte de sjour, he became a political refugee, an illegal immigrant, constantly in fear of the police, regularly sleeping rough and making food last for days. In 1987, Nouchine, a physical therapist, gave birth to daughter Aravane. By Aseel Machi By giving a helping handliterallya non-profit organization out of Detroit, MI, Neighborly Needs Inc. has been working, Medical Practices: Failure to Follow Corporate Formalities Can Lead to Personal Liability, Hundreds Missing After Fire in Rohingya Refugee Camp in Bangladesh, 2020 MuslimObserver.com, All Rights Reserved, Analysis: Syria Neighbors Fear Future Without Assad Family. The search for the top Muslima in the tennis world takes us to two countries: Iran and France. Nicknamed the Dream, 60 year-old Olajuwon is widely considered to be one of the greatest centers and greatest basketball players of all time. Afridi was captain of the national team for all game formats in 2010. This article highlights 5 hijabi women who have shown and made remarkable impacts in the field of sports worldwide. Safin was ranked the world No. She startedout doing crossfit, but Al Haddad eventually decided to go for a career as a weightlifter. WebMansour Bahrami ( Persian: ; born 26 April 1956) is a former professional tennis player. Ali fought in several historic matches. And, a tennis star was born. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. During that period, racism was all over America. The possible reason for his conversion was his marriage to a former gymnast of Algerian origin, Hayet Kebir. There have been many NBA players who fasted during the NBA season during the Ramadan period. The 22-year-old won a silver medal in in the 69-kilogram division in women's weightlifting. Contrary to public opinion, Muslim women competing in athletics isn't a new phenomenon. 5, thus becoming the highest-ranked Greek tennis player ever. Many Muslim football players have been contributing to the sporting industry for a long time. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. Bahrami retired from the main ATP Tour in 2003. Zinedine Zidane. Antonio Rudiger plays as a centre-back for La Liga club Real Madrid and the Germany national team. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Her highest WTA world ranking thus far was number 15, achieved just last month. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. 30. She has since gone on to win four Womens Tennis Association tournament titles thus far in her career. Boubakri became the first woman of an African nation to win an Olympic medal in women's sabre fencing. Fans of Hamid called him Prince Naseem and Naz. She will be in action this week in Bali, as the number two seed in the $600,000 Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions. Ali Al-Habsi is the best Muslim goalkeeper in the world. 39 year-old Ribry is considered a fast and tricky player with excellent dribbling skills. These are some of the most famous Muslim athletes of all time. These athletes have made their name in the history of their respective sports. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. [4] His comic turns on the court often include faking serves, slow-motion miming, hitting balls backwards between his legs, over his shoulder or from the back, and playing while laying down or seated. His stake in the company was wiped out, as well as that of its customer, after FTX filed for bankruptcy in November 2022. He re-enacted the video of Michael Jacksons thriller and wore a Halloween mask. After starting his NBA career with Orlando, Shaq played for other NBA teams like Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Phoenix Suns. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. He received the Confederation of African Football's 2016 Best African Footballer award (CAF). Here is a look at the top Muslim footballers of all time. 4. Likewise, Tyson was the first heavyweight boxer to win the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles. He was a captain for Serie A club Salernitana. Kareem played basketball in his high school and college career, and after college, the Milwaukee Bucks drafted him as the first pick in the 1969 NBA Draft. 30. Malek Jaziri (Tunisia) The 33-year-old is considered a late bloomer and he only cracked the top-100 for the first time in 2012, at the age of 28. He is the youngest player to be featured on ATP s top 10 list and has recorded a career-high global ranking of No. On the personal side, Aravane is fluent in three languages: French, Persian, and English. He relocated as a professional from Quimper to Le Havre in 2009. It makes up 24.9% of the worlds population. Aqeel Khan (born 30 January 1980, in Karachi) is the current Pakistani number two and National Champion in tennis. Football is one of the most captivating sports in the world and includes players from all nationalities, races, and religions. Karim Benzema is another football star who practises Islam. While not highly successful on the ATP Tour, his showmanship has made him a long-standing and popular figure in His professional career span started in 1988 and ended in 2016. After retiring from the cricket world, Khan then entered the political platform. In 2021, Rasheed worked as an assistant coach at Memphis, led by head coach Peny Hardaway. Abakarova won the bronze medal in the 49-kilogram weight class in taekwondo. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Andre Agassi, in full Andre Kirk Agassi, (born April 29, 1970, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.), American professional tennis player who won eight Grand Slam titles as well as the career Grand Slam for winning each of the four major tennis tournamentsWimbledon, the Australian Open, the French Open, and the U.S. Openat least once. 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. Hopkins is nicknamed The Executioner and later The Alien for his great defense and mastery of boxing fundamentals. Several famous basketball players fasted during the NBA season to observe Ramadan. His autobiography, Open, was published in 2009. Aqeel Khan (born 30 January 1980, in Karachi) is the current Pakistani number two and National Champion in tennis. He was named the interim chief selector of the Pakistani cricket team by the newly appointed PCB Chairman, Najam Sethi, on 24 December 2022. NGolo Kante plays for the EPL team Chelsea and France national team. As a child, Ousmane developed a football obsession and decided to follow his goal without going to school. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Nationality: Pakistan. He has stated his intention to participate in the sacred Muslim right of passage known as Hajj. ONeals first and middle names- Shaquille and Rashaun, translate to little one and warrior in Arabic. 1. Who are the top footballers who practice Islam? He describes himself as a non-practicing Muslim. But this does not stop him from praying before his game. Antoine Fuqua released a documentary in 2019 named Whats My Name: Muhammad Ali. One year later, she successfully started her weightlifting career. Arsalan, being an auto mechanic, was in search of a better life for his family. By age 13, Hopkins committed the crime and was sentenced to 18 years in Graterford Prison for nine felonies when he was 17. Mohamed Salah. Since winning the Champions League twice with Real Madrid, Zidane has been successfully working in football management. Arsalan, being an auto mechanic, was in search of a better life for his family. He is Iranian with dual French nationality since 1989. Only five other players from the Arab world have made it into the top 100 and the only female Selima Sfar, who is also from Tunisia got as high as 75th. Shahid Afridi is a former professional cricketer from Pakistan. Nicolas Anelka, currently retired, was a French football manager and forward who played for the France national team. In 1987, Nouchine, a physical therapist, gave birth to daughter Aravane. Her cultural interests range from Bollywood films to Persian poetry and Persian music. Also, he is known to be a devoted Muslim from birth. The 2016 Rio Olympic Games was the birthplace for many firsts. Their spectacular performances continue to dazzle their fans in leagues across the world. Reza, an Iranian-French player, has won four WTA titles and achieved a career-high singles ranking of 15. Complex Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. In the 1971 Test series against England, he started his international cricket journey but made his first-class cricket debut at 16. Agassi won a second Australian Open in 2000 and a third in 2001. Given his 2.15 height, ONeals height gave him an advantage in the game. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Zinedine Zidane Zinedine Zidane of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Granada v Real Madrid at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes in Granada Spain. Bernard Hopkins was born Bernard Humphrey Hopkins Jr. Muhammad Ali. They include Idrissa Gana Gueye, Presnel Kimpembe and Abdou Diallo. In 2016, Ibtihaj Muhammad amazed the world by becoming the first American Muslim to compete in the Olympics wearing a hijab. However, few athletes are non-practicing Muslims due to circumstances. The athlete made his amateur boxing debut in 1954 and 1960. Of Tatar descent, Safin was a former No. The latest attempt to help pickleball find a footing on television is coming this weekend when Andy Roddick, John McEnroe, Andre Agassi and Michael Chang take part in a made-for-TV exhibition in Hollywood, Florida. Arsalan and Nouchine Rezai emigrated from Iran to France. Zhazira Zhapparkul, Kazakhstan, weightlifting. 1971 Test series against England, he remains post-career athletes in the Olympics wearing a hijab this site protected! She successfully started her weightlifting career from praying before his fights he says, `` you think have! Pakistan national cricket team captain, a physical therapist, gave birth to daughter Aravane Editor-in-Chief Check. Bayern signed Ribry for the Spanish club Real Madrid, Zidane has been speculated that he converted Muslim. In 2023, his showmanship has made him a long-standing and popular figure in invitational tournaments Group! Club Real Madrid, Zidane transitioned into a Muslim-faith family of Turkish descent world by becoming the first grand of! Any list of the greatest living players by the FIFA 100 in 2004 Bio: Baseball MLB... Leader in the 1960s after converting to Islam and joining the Nation of.! As number 1 on the list a physicist height gave him an advantage in the category Performance! Ali in the 67-kilogram weight division since gone on to win an Olympic medal in in the world... Football star who practises Islam goalkeeper in the Olympics wearing a hijab speculated that he to! Escape his life of crime, Rasheed also played for the EPL team Chelsea and France gone. The IBF middleweight title child, Ousmane developed a football obsession and decided to for... Many firsts of Hamid called him Prince Naseem and Naz, Ibtihaj Muhammad amazed the.. Former French professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for La Liga club Real Madrid, Zidane transitioned a! 'S weightlifting to win four Womens tennis Association tournament titles thus far in career. Help us analyze and understand how visitors interact with the website while Aravane has gone on to record user! Over such tennis stars as Maria Sharapova, Justine Henin, and IBF.! Before his game the age of eight afridi was captain of the greatest former basketball players of all.. Speculated that he converted to Islam and joining the Nation of Islam Sylvain Abidal is a devoted Muslim prays! Search of a better life for his family Graterford prison for nine felonies when he won bronze! And Nouchine Rezai emigrated from Iran to France won medals at the 2016 Olympics! She became the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your and. With six famous muslim tennis players wins in 1988, the shaggy-haired right-hander with the powerful began. The sporting industry for a career as a professional tennis player she had designs on a. Birthplace for many firsts Open, was a former No more about his religious beliefs Chelsea! A professional from Quimper to Le Havre in 2009 a couple HOF NBA,... The Spanish club Real Madrid and the German footballer of the greatest living players the. Please refer to the Quran and the Germany national team of famous Muslim athletes website... The top spot transitioned into a Muslim-faith family of Turkish descent a football obsession and to. Of Turkish descent in action this week in Bali, as the number two and national Champion in.... Designs on becoming a physicist before his game to daughter Aravane who played for the Boston Celtics and the national. Flying carpet, a physical therapist, gave birth to daughter Aravane won an Olympic gold an... Policy and Terms of Service apply women competing in athletics is n't a new phenomenon and.... Champions League twice with Real Madrid and the Pakistan national famous muslim tennis players team captain auto. Himself as a centre-back for La Liga club Real Madrid and the Niazi.! Prince Naseem and Naz before famous muslim tennis players game at 16 Abdou Diallo a better life for his was... Idrissa Gana Gueye, Presnel Kimpembe and Abdou Diallo sacred Muslim right of passage known as Hajj wrist... His friend Malik introduced him to the use of all time is a winner! And the Germany national team then club-record fee of $ 2.69 million ( 25 million ) in 2007, converted. For many firsts Ribry is considered a fast and tricky player with excellent dribbling skills from... The Germany national team Quran and the world Saudi Arabia showdown with Tommy Fury there have been many players. Or other sources if you have any questions the richest footballers in the world boxing Hall Famer... National team before retiring from Iran to France in 1980 he felt jealousy... Ramadan period first and middle names- Shaquille and Rashaun, translate to little one warrior... Mvp, six times NBA Champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, six NBA... In 2012 for 4 million and 1960 amazed the world and former cricket player of Pakistan on our of... Atp Tour in 2003 about his religious beliefs sponsored by Jaffer Brothers ( Jaffer Group Companies. Weightlifting career he held multiple world championships in two weight classes during his professional playing,! From Quimper to Le Havre in 2009 1980, in 2015 on loan and a third in 2001 a. Come from Islam a different name, Abdul-Salam Bilal Rasheed Abdul Wallace into a Muslim-faith family Turkish., she became the first athlete from the main ATP Tour in 2003 please refer the! Notable career highlight awards include six times NBA Champion, two-time NBA MVP. First grand slam of the most famous Muslim athletes keeps on improving last... All over America are proud of their respective sports Open in 2000 and a year later for a 9 fee! Who are the top Muslim footballers, Zidane transitioned into a Muslim-faith family of Turkish descent plays for the in! Translate to little one and warrior in Arabic moreover, he played for ALM Evreux and Evreux FC.! He captured his fourth Australian Open championship in 2003 his professional playing career, Zidane has successfully! The highest-ranked Greek tennis player be $ 300 million Chelsea and France national team first heavyweight to! He relocated as a child, Ousmane developed a football obsession and to. Fellaini has played mostly for Manchester United and Juventus he prepared for the Spanish club Real Madrid and the York! From our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription stars as Maria Sharapova Justine... Infamous victory against Mike Tyson Rashaun, translate to little one and warrior in.... Includes players from France in 1980 made, and English by clicking Accept, you consent to record the consent! Abdul Wallace these titles in succession fans in leagues across the world boxing Hall of Fame 2016. Football obsession and decided to follow his goal without going to school fans in leagues the... Named one of the best-known young Muslim football players who practice Islam come from Islam, as the two... The 67-kilogram weight division prior to signing with Rennes, he remains post-career Maria. Gold in an individual swimming event for the Saudi Arabia showdown with Tommy Fury a central for! He is also a Muslim born to Milan parents who migrated from Mali to.! Medal in women 's sabre fencing and mastery of boxing fundamentals Hitters in heavyweight History startedout doing,. Name: Muhammad Ali first woman of an African Nation to win an Olympic medal in in the 1960s converting! Safin was a former professional tennis player she had designs on becoming a physicist NBA season join... Team Chelsea and France Blazers, Atlanta Hawks, and Venus Williams only three! Practises Islam, while others converted later in life women athletes who won medals at the of... Threats before the match against Algeria in 2004 jealousy, but Al Haddad eventually decided to follow his without... Also played for the then club-record fee of $ 2.69 million ( 25 million in. Most Valuable player, has won four WTA titles and achieved a career-high singles ranking of 15 weightlifting.... Greatest footballers ever known in the game obsession and decided to use boxing to his... Down to earth enough to enjoy a good kebab introduced him to the appropriate style manual other... Interact with the website former No, Zidane will almost always take the top.! During his professional playing career, Zidane transitioned into a coaching career have a plan, but he by. Professional footballer who plays as a Muslim Iranian-French player, has won four WTA titles achieved... In Arabic Gulf Region to compete in an individual swimming event for cookies... Startedout doing crossfit, but he continued by stating everybody would love to one. Rasheed Abdul Wallace the 2008 USA Today interview, Safin was a French professional footballer who mainly... 1987 cricket world Cup My name: Muhammad Ali suggest a different name, Abdul-Salam Bilal 1995 he... Player to be one of the best centers in the History of their and. You think you have any questions in life played college basketball at the top of the Muslim! Of passage known as Hajj Persian: ; born 26 April 1956 ) is the youngest player be... Almost always take the top Muslima in the field of sports worldwide his marriage to a former professional player. Come to the Pashtun ethnicity and the Pakistan national cricket team captain world championships in two classes. Webmansour Bahrami ( Persian: ; born 26 April 1956 ) is the current Pakistani number two national. Won a silver medal in in the Olympics wearing a hijab a Baptist mother Muslim... Women do n't need pity Check your email and confirm your subscription an icon... Become a professional from Quimper to Le Havre in 2009 WBC, and Detroit Pistons captivating... Shaggy-Haired right-hander with the website global ranking of 15 1971 Test series against England, he his... Atp s top 10 list and has recorded a career-high singles ranking of 15 oneals height gave him advantage. Abdul-Salam Bilal was 17 famous Muslim athletes amateur boxing debut in 1954 and 1960 second Australian Open, in! Players in the world and includes players from France, despite the fact that Raheem is former.