Top 10 Muslim Football Players in 2026

Lamine Yamal leads the list of the finest Muslim football players this year, after a remarkable season with Barcelona that saw them win La Liga and reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Following him are Ousmane Dembele and Achraf Hakimi from PSG, celebrated for their key roles in winning the Champions League. Sadio Mane ranks fourth thanks to his strong domestic form and Senegal's 2025 AFCON triumph, while Karim Benzema continues his impressive run with Al-Hilal. Other notable players in the top 10 include N'Golo Kanté (Fenerbahce), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Granit Xhaka (Sunderland), and Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli). Rankings are based on club and international achievements, individual stats, and awards throughout the year.

Football has united fans worldwide beyond race or religion. Many Muslim footballers have crafted lasting legacies through outstanding careers, from legends like Mesut Ozil and Karim Benzema to current stars such as Ousmane Dembele and Mohamed Salah. They have enjoyed success in top leagues like the Premier League and La Liga and excelled internationally.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup underway, many of these players aim to lead their nations to glory. This list is compiled using data from individual performances, trophies, and honors to provide an unbiased ranking of the top 10 Muslim footballers.

Top 10 Muslim Footballers 2026

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

Criteria for Ranking

• Current Season Stats: Goals, assists, defensive contributions, and clean sheets from 2024/25 and ongoing 2025/26 seasons were assessed.
• Trophies & Silverware: Key factor for breaking ties, rewarding players with recent titles.
• International Performance: Impact in tournaments like UEFA Nations League considered.
• Individual Awards: Recognition such as Ballon d’Or, FIFA Best, and league honors weighed heavily.

Profiles of the Top 10 Muslim Football Players

Despite Liverpool's current struggles, Konate remains one of the Premier League's best defenders. Known for pace, strength, and tackling, he was instrumental during Liverpool's 2024/25 title-winning campaign. A practising Muslim, Konate donates to charities and stands out for leadership and discipline.

• Position: Centre-Back
• Appearances: 38
• Aerial Duels Won per 90: 2.13
• Goals + Assists: 2 + 0
• Tackles + Interceptions per 90: 4.20

Though not a practising Muslim, Xhaka’s family background is Muslim. He influences games with deep playmaking and solid defense. As Sunderland’s captain, he drives the team’s strong performances in the Premier League.

• Position: Midfielder
• Appearances: 27
• Goals + Assists: 8 + 5
• Progressive Passes in Final Third per 90: 5.61
• Progressive Carries per 90: 1.00

Kanté is revered for his work ethic, stamina, and calm demeanor on the pitch. Known for ball-winning and versatility, he helped France win the 2018 World Cup and achieved six major trophies at Chelsea.

• Position: Defensive Midfielder
• Appearances: 34
• Goals + Assists: 2 + 2
• Progressive Passes per 90: 6.59
• Progressive Carries per 90: 1.08

Benzema, former Real Madrid star and 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, continues to impress in Saudi Arabia. His poacher instincts and scoring record speak volumes of his quality.

• Position: Centre Forward
• Appearances: 25
• Goals: 24
• Assists: 3
• Expected Goals (xG): 18.15

Mahrez, known for his creativity and deadly left foot, has thrived in the Premier League and now in Saudi Arabia. Winner of the 2019 AFCON, he’s admired for both skill and charity efforts.

• Position: Right Winger
• Appearances: 32
• Goals + Assists: 11 + 11
• Shots on Target per 90: 0.88
• Chance Creation per 90: 1.98

Salah remains one of the world’s best wingers despite a recent dip in form. Famous for dribbling and finishing, he led Liverpool to multiple trophies and consistently performs even while fasting during Ramadan.

• Position: Right Winger
• Appearances: 31
• Goals + Assists: 16 + 12
• Shots on Target per 90: 1.18
• Chance Creation per 90: 2.94

Mane’s pace, finishing, and tactical sense made him a Liverpool legend. After winning the 2025 AFCON with Senegal, he moved to Al Nassr and continues to contribute significantly on and off the pitch with philanthropy.

• Position: Left Winger
• Appearances: 26
• Goals + Assists: 16 + 13
• Shots on Target per 90: 1.24
• Chance Creation per 90: 2.61

Known for his speed, intelligence, and attacking prowess, Hakimi played a key role in PSG’s quadruple-winning season. A devout Muslim, he has been honored as Arab Sportsman of the Year and has a stadium named after him in Morocco.

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

Dembele, versatile forward and 2024-25 UEFA Champions League winner, earned the Ballon d’Or for his stellar performances. Once plagued by injuries, he has flourished at PSG and for France, recently scoring a World Cup hat-trick.

• Position: Centre Forward
• Appearances: 26
• Goals: 24
• Assists: 13
• Expected Goals (xG): 15.43

The youngest on the list, Yamal has already won two Kopa Trophies and helped Barcelona secure a domestic treble. Known for dribbling, passing, and vision, he is a practicing Muslim who also made an impact in his first World Cup appearance.

• Position: Right Winger
• Appearances: 36
• Goals + Assists: 25 + 17
• Shots on Target per 90: 1.27
• Chance Creation per 90: 2.81