As the holy month of Ramadan unfolds each year, several professional footballers across Europe and beyond take to the pitch while observing the dawn-to-sunset fast. Competing without food or water for long hours poses a unique physical challenge in a sport defined by stamina, speed and endurance.
Yet many Muslim players have continued to feature in top-flight matches during Ramadan, often delivering match-winning performances.
Elite performers balancing faith and football
Among the most prominent names is Mohamed Salah, who has played crucial fixtures for Liverpool F.C. during Ramadan across multiple seasons. Salah has often featured in high-intensity Premier League and European matches while fasting, earning admiration from fans for maintaining both form and faith.
His former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mané has also competed during Ramadan in England and later in Germany. Known for his discipline off the field, Mané has spoken about the importance of faith in his life while continuing to perform at the elite level.
French midfielder N’Golo Kanté, widely respected for his work rate, has played league and international fixtures during Ramadan for clubs including Chelsea F.C. Teammates and coaches have often highlighted his professionalism and consistency during the fasting period.
Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez has similarly featured in major competitions while observing Ramadan, including title-deciding matches in England. Moroccan stars Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi have also played key club and international games during the holy month.
Former Real Madrid CF striker Karim Benzema has often been associated with observing Ramadan during club seasons. During his time in Spain, Benzema played several La Liga and UEFA Champions League matches that coincided with fasting hours.
In previous seasons in the Premier League and Serie A, Paul Pogba featured in competitive matches that fell within Ramadan. Like many Muslim athletes, his observance has sometimes varied depending on match schedules, health considerations and professional guidance.
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Managing the physical demands
Playing professional football while fasting requires careful planning. Matches often involve covering over 10 kilometres, repeated sprints and sustained concentration -all without hydration during daylight hours.
Clubs typically adjust training schedules during Ramadan, while team nutritionists work closely with players to maximise energy intake during non-fasting hours. Hydration strategies after sunset (Iftar) and before dawn (Sehri) become critical. In some evening matches in Europe, players have been seen breaking their fast briefly on the sidelines at sunset before resuming play.
Medical teams monitor players closely to ensure performance levels remain safe and sustainable.
With the global nature of modern football, Ramadan has increasingly become part of the sporting calendar. Some leagues and referees have shown flexibility by allowing brief pauses at sunset so players can hydrate.
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The sight of Muslim footballers competing at the highest level while fasting has sparked conversations about inclusivity, cultural understanding and respect within sport. For many athletes, Ramadan represents not only a test of physical endurance but also a reaffirmation of personal discipline and spiritual commitment.
Numerous footballers have demonstrated that elite sport and religious observance can coexist.
