Tinejdad, Morocco- A dozen famous Muslim football players are taking part in the FIFA World Cup football tournament hosted by Brazil from June 12 to July 13, 2014.
As part of its coverage of the international sports event which is being followed by millions of people around the world, MWN presents to its readers, along with updates of the World Cup, a list of the names of Muslim soccer stars participating in the World Cup 2014.
Born on August 6, 1983, Robin van Persie, married to Bouchra van Persie, born Bouchra Elbali of Moroccan and Dutch decent, is a Dutch footballer playing for the Netherlands national football team.
Van Persie, who plays as a striker for Manchester United, scored a stunning goal against Spain on June 13 which is considered by the sports media to be one of the greatest moments of the 2014 World Cup.
Karim Mostafa Benzema, 26, of Algerian descent, is a French international footballer who plays for Spanish club Real Madrid in La Liga and for the French national football team.
Described as an “immensely-talented striker,” Benzema was ranked as top goal-scorer in all European leagues in 2007 with 11 goals.
Born in May 13, 1983, Gnégnéri Yaya Touré, known as Yaya Touré, is an Ivorian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for English club Manchester City.
The Muslim midfielder is currently playing for the Ivory Coast national team.
The Ivory Coast won its first game in the world cup against Japan (2-1) in an entertaining match.
Because of his tactful and intelligent qualities, his family in Ivory Coast call him “Ordinateur” (Computer).
Mamadou Sakho, 24, whose parents are Senegalese, is a French footballer who plays as a central defender for Premier League club Liverpool and the French national team.
The Muslim defender will play in the World Cup for the French world Cup squad.
Nicknamed Kirikou by some supporters, Sakho is known for his leadership credentials and incredible tactics.
Sami Khedira, 27, is a German footballer playing for Real Madrid and the German national team.
Despite his serious knee injury, the Real Madrid Muslim midfielder will play in the World Cup for the German national team.
Originally from Tunisia, the midfielder who enjoys “flawless aerial ability” is “irreplaceable in Germany’s squad,” according to coach Joachim Löw.
Born in October 15, 1988, Mesut Özil is a German footballer who plays for Premier League club Arsenal and the German national team.
The German football player of Turkish descent will “light up the World Cup for Germany,” according to Germany forward Lukas Podolski.
“Mesut has the quality and he’s going to give us a lot of pleasure,” Podolski added.
