sportnews full logo

Top 10 Muslim Football Players in 2026

Lamine Yamal stands out as the top Muslim footballer in 2026 after a remarkable season with Barcelona, contributing significantly to their La Liga victory and UEFA Champions League semi-final run. Close behind are Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi of PSG, whose vital roles helped secure the club's Champions League title. Sadio Mané ranks fourth, boosted by his strong domestic displays and Senegal’s triumph at the 2025 AFCON. Karim Benzema continues to impress at Al-Hilal. The list also features midfield powerhouse N'Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe), dynamic winger Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), versatile Granit Xhaka (Sunderland), and skillful Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli).

Criteria for Ranking

  • Current season stats: Goals, assists, defensive efforts, clean sheets from 2024/25 and ongoing 2025/26 seasons.
  • Trophies and silverware: Club and international titles as tiebreakers.
  • International impact: Performance in tournaments such as UEFA Nations League.
  • Individual awards: Ballon d’Or, FIFA Best, and league honors were considered.

The data is sourced from reliable platforms including Fbref, Transfermarkt, and Sportsdunia.

Top 10 Muslim Footballers of 2026

  • Rank 10: Ibrahima Konate – Liverpool, Centre-Back, 38 appearances
  • Rank 9: Granit Xhaka – Sunderland, Midfielder, 27 appearances
  • Rank 8: N'Golo Kanté – Fenerbahce, Midfielder, 34 appearances
  • Rank 7: Karim Benzema – Al Hilal, Striker, 25 appearances
  • Rank 6: Riyad Mahrez – Al Ahli, Right-Winger, 32 appearances
  • Rank 5: Mohamed Salah – Liverpool, Right-Winger, 31 appearances
  • Rank 4: Sadio Mane – Al Nassr, Left-Winger, 26 appearances
  • Rank 3: Achraf Hakimi – PSG, Right-Back, 22 appearances
  • Rank 2: Ousmane Dembélé – PSG, Striker/Right Wing, 26 appearances
  • Rank 1: Lamine Yamal – FC Barcelona, Right-Winger, 36 appearances

Profiles of Top Muslim Players

Despite Liverpool’s struggles this season, Konate remains an important figure. His pace, strength, and tackling have made him a solid defender alongside Virgil Van Dijk. Born in Paris to Malian parents, he practices Islam and supports charities actively. His aerial duels and interceptions remain notable.

  • Appearances: 46
  • World Cup appearances: 6
  • Position: Centre-Back
  • Aerial Duels Won (per 90): 2.13
  • Goals + Assists: 2 + 0
  • Tackles + Interceptions (per 90): 4.20

Xhaka returned to the Premier League with Sunderland and continues to control midfield. Though not a practising Muslim, his family background connects to Islam. Known for deep-lying playmaking and solid defense, he captains Sunderland with influence on both attack and defense.

  • Appearances: 37
  • World Cup appearances: 15
  • Position: Central Midfielder
  • Goals + Assists: 8 + 5
  • Progressive Passes in Final 3rd (per 90): 5.61
  • Progressive Carries (per 90): 1.00

Kanté’s calm presence and relentless work rate make him one of the best midfielders. After Chelsea and Al Ittihad, he now plays for Fenerbahce, continuing to inspire with ball-winning skills and stamina. He balances defensive duties with occasional playmaking contributions.

  • Appearances: 39
  • World Cup appearances: 7
  • Position: Defensive Midfielder
  • Goals + Assists: 2 + 2
  • Progressive Passes (per 90): 6.59
  • Progressive Carries (per 90): 1.08

Benzema has left a significant mark in European football with Real Madrid before moving to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner excels with sharp positional sense and goal-scoring instincts. He has a rich tally of goals and assists across his career and embraces his faith openly.

  • Appearances: 21
  • World Cup appearances: 5
  • Position: Centre Forward
  • Expected Goals (xG): 18.15
  • Goals: 24
  • Assists: 3

Mahrez is known for his creativity and left-foot precision, rising to prominence at Leicester and Manchester City before joining Al-Ahli. An AFCON winner with Algeria, he combines flair with charity work, supporting causes beyond football.

  • Appearances: 42
  • World Cup appearances: 3
  • Position: Right Winger
  • Goals + Assists: 11 + 11
  • Shots on Target (per 90): 0.88
  • Chance Creation (per 90): 1.98

Salah remains a key attacking force despite a slight dip in form recently. Known for dribbling, finishing, and tactical intelligence, he played a crucial role in Liverpool’s recent trophy haul. His commitment to faith is visible during Ramadan, inspiring many.

  • Appearances: 41
  • World Cup appearances: 5
  • Position: Right Winger
  • Goals + Assists: 16 + 12
  • Shots on Target (per 90): 1.18
  • Chance Creation (per 90): 2.94

Mane made his name at Liverpool with speed, skill, and scoring ability. After a less impactful spell at Bayern Munich, he joined Al Nassr and continues to shine. Besides football, his charitable projects in Senegal reflect his dedication to helping his community.

  • Appearances: 38
  • World Cup appearances: 6
  • Position: Left Winger
  • Goals + Assists: 16 + 13
  • Shots on Target (per 90): 1.24
  • Chance Creation (per 90): 2.61

Hakimi is praised for speed, passing, and tactical awareness. His achievements with PSG include a quadruple win. The Moroccan right-back is a practicing Muslim who has gained accolades such as Arab Sportsman of the Year and had a stadium named after him in Morocco.

  • Appearances: 43
  • World Cup appearances: 13
  • Position: Right Back
  • Aerial Duels Won (per 90): 0.35
  • Goals + Assists: 6 + 13
  • Tackles + Interceptions (per 90): 1.14

Dembele, Ballon d’Or winner and 2024-25 UEFA Champions League champion, has flourished at PSG after injury setbacks. He plays primarily as a forward and remains a key figure for France internationally. His attitude and faith contribute to his status among top Muslim footballers.

  • Appearances: 39
  • World Cup appearances: 14
  • Position: Centre Forward
  • Expected Goals (xG): 15.43
  • Goals: 24
  • Assists: 13

The youngest on this list, Yamal has quickly become a sensation with Barcelona, winning the Kopa Trophy twice. His dribbling, vision, and maturity stand out. Despite some off-field challenges, he has delivered 25 goals and 17 assists this season. Confirmed as Muslim by family statements, he represents the blend of talent and faith.

  • Appearances: 43
  • World Cup appearances: 3
  • Position: Right Winger
  • Goals + Assists: 25 + 17
  • Shots on Target (per 90): 1.27
  • Chance Creation (per 90): 2.81

Related Articles