Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui, Sadio Mane Refuse to Pose Holding Beer

Bayern Munich’s Moroccan Noussair Mazraoui and Senegalese Sadio Mane have refused to pose holding a glass of beer in the Bavarian club’s annual squad photo due to their religious beliefs.

Rabat – Bayern Munich’s Moroccan Noussair Mazraoui and Senegalese Sadio Mane have refused to pose holding a glass of beer in the Bavarian club’s annual squad photo due to their religious beliefs.

Each year, the German club poses for a traditional Oktoberfest photoshoot, in partnership with German brewery Paulaner. Oktoberfest is a traditional beer festival held annually in Munich.

The Bavarian club released the photos today, featuring all members of the team wearing Lederhosen, a traditional German attire. The caption reads: “Lederhosen instead of kits: Photos from our traditional Paulaner lederhosen photoshoot.”

All 31 players, except for Mazraoui and Mane, were each holding a three-liter tall glass of Paulaner beer up high. Mazraoui posed with his hands behind his back while Munich’s forward Mane posed with his hands down and held together.

The two football internationals are openly practicing Muslims and their religion forbids the consumption of alcohol.

Football fans have widely praised the pair’s move, applauding the football stars for staying true to their faith. “Sadio Mane putting his religion before any sponsors, got to love & respect him even more,” said a Twitter user.

Last month, the Germany Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Morocco announced plans to organize the first edition of Oktoberfest in Morocco. The beer festival was set to take place on October 28 in Bouskoura, a suburb of Casablanca.

But the decision to organize the festival in Morocco received widespread backlash, with over 22,000 people signing a petition protesting against it. The event will instead be held in private.

Oktoberfest, which is the world’s largest public beer festival, is held over a two-week period and ends on the first Sunday in October.