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Top 10 Muslim Footballers in 2026: The Best Players Today

Lamine Yamal leads the list after a standout season with Barcelona, guiding them to La Liga glory and the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi, both shining at PSG, follow closely behind thanks to their crucial roles in the club's Champions League victory. Sadio Mané ranks fourth after strong domestic performances and Senegal’s 2025 AFCON win. Meanwhile, Karim Benzema continues to impress at Al-Hilal. The top ten also includes notable names like N'Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Granit Xhaka (Sunderland), and Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli).

Football has always brought people together beyond backgrounds or beliefs. Many Muslim players have left a lasting mark, from legends like Mesut Özil and Karim Benzema to stars of today such as Ousmane Dembélé and Mohamed Salah. Their faith often shines alongside their talent, with numerous titles won in leagues like the Premier League and La Liga, plus international success.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds, these players aim to lead their countries to victory. This ranking is based on individual stats, trophies, international impact, and awards, offering an unbiased view of the top Muslim footballers currently.

Top 10 Muslim Footballers of 2026

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

Ranking Criteria

To decide the best Muslim footballers, several factors were analyzed:

  • Current Season Stats: Goals, assists, defensive records, and clean sheets from the 2024/25 and ongoing 2025/26 seasons.
  • Trophies & Silverware: Titles won during the last and current seasons helped break ties among players with similar stats.
  • International Impact: Contributions in tournaments like the UEFA Nations League, focusing on goals, assists, defense, and leadership.
  • Individual Awards: Honors like Ballon d’Or, FIFA Best, and league-specific accolades prioritized players with multiple recognitions.

Data was sourced from trusted platforms such as Fbref, Transfermarkt, and Sportsdunia for accuracy.

Profiles of the Top Muslim Footballers

10. Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool | France)

Konate remains a defensive pillar despite Liverpool’s struggles this season. Known for his speed, strength, and tackling, he was key to Liverpool’s Premier League title in 2024/25, conceding just 41 goals. Born in Paris to Malian parents, he practices Islam and is active in charity work. Though recent form dipped partly due to contract issues, his aerial duels and pace keep him among the best defenders globally.

  • 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

9. Granit Xhaka (Sunderland | Switzerland)

Xhaka blends deep-lying playmaking with defensive solidity. Though not a practising Muslim, he has a Muslim family background. His passing, tackling, and leadership have helped Sunderland stay competitive in the Premier League. As captain, he influences games both defensively and offensively.

  • 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

8. N'Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe | France)

Renowned for tireless work ethic and calmness, Kanté remains one of football’s finest midfielders. He has shined at Chelsea and France, winning six major trophies and the 2018 World Cup. Now at Fenerbahçe, his ball-winning and versatility continue to inspire many.

  • 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

7. Karim Benzema (Al-Hilal | France)

Benzema’s remarkable career includes a Ballon d’Or win in 2022 and numerous trophies with Real Madrid. Now thriving in Saudi Arabia, he adapts well to new challenges while maintaining his striking prowess and connection to his faith. With over 460 goals in his career, he remains an influential forward.

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

6. Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli | Algeria)

Mahrez has grown into one of the Premier League’s finest wingers and a major figure in African football. His skillful left foot and creativity make him a threat anywhere across the front line. After successful spells with Manchester City and Leicester, he now plays in Saudi Arabia and supports various charitable causes.

  • 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

5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool | Egypt)

Despite a recent dip, Salah’s legacy as one of the world’s best wingers is secure. His dribbling, finishing, and vision powered Liverpool’s recent trophy haul, including the Premier League and Champions League. Known for balancing faith and performance, especially during Ramadan, Salah inspires on and off the pitch.

  • 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

4. Sadio Mane (Al Nassr | Senegal)

Mane’s prime years at Liverpool showcased his pace, finishing, and flair. He added another chapter by winning the 2025 AFCON with Senegal. Now in Saudi Arabia, he continues to deliver strong numbers and invests heavily in charitable projects back home.

  • 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

3. Achraf Hakimi (PSG | Morocco)

Hakimi’s speed and attacking threat from right-back make him a key figure for PSG and Morocco. Multiple trips to Mecca highlight his devotion, and his recognition as Arab Sportsman of the Year reflects his influence. His goal and assist tallies helped PSG claim a quadruple last season.

  • 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

2. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG | France)

Dembélé’s resurgence at PSG earned him the Ballon d’Or and a Champions League title. Versatile and skilled, he plays a vital role both for club and country. His hat-trick against Norway at the World Cup underlines his scoring threat.

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

1. Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona | Spain)

The young prodigy has already left a mark by helping Barcelona win La Liga and a domestic treble. Twice winner of the Kopa Trophy, his dribbling and vision stand out. Despite some injury setbacks, he remains one of the club’s best performers and a rising star representing Muslim football talent worldwide.

  • 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

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