Top 10 Muslim Football Players in 2026: Leading Stars and Their Achievements

The list of the best Muslim football players this year is headed by Lamine Yamal, who has dazzled with Barcelona, playing a key role in their La Liga title and run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Behind him, PSG stars Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi stand at second and third places, thanks to their instrumental contributions to PSG’s Champions League victory. Senegalese forward Sadio Mane ranks fourth after his strong domestic performances and helping Senegal win the 2025 AFCON, while Karim Benzema continues to impress at Al-Hilal. The top ten also includes N'Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Granit Xhaka (Sunderland), and Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli).

Criteria for Ranking

These rankings consider current domestic season statistics including goals, assists, defensive work, and clean sheets from the 2024/25 and ongoing 2025/26 seasons. Trophies and silverware won act as tiebreakers, with recent form given more weight. International performances in tournaments like the UEFA Nations League are factored in, alongside individual awards such as Ballon d’Or or FIFA Best recognitions.

Top 10 Muslim Football Players in 2026

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

Profiles of Top Muslim Footballers

10. Ibrahima Konate

Though Liverpool’s overall form has dipped, Konate remains a solid defender known for pace, strength, and tackling. He played a crucial role in Liverpool’s 2024/25 Premier League win, conceding just 41 goals. A practising Muslim born in Paris to Malian parents, he is respected for his leadership and charitable acts. His current season has been affected by contract distractions but plenty of time remains to regain his top form.

• 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

Although not a practising Muslim, Xhaka comes from a Muslim family background. Now captain of Sunderland, he combines deep-lying playmaking with defensive solidity. His influence helped Bayer Leverkusen win an invincible title in 2023/24. Sunderland aims for a top-half finish thanks to his leadership.

• Appearances: 37
• World Cup appearances: 15
• Position: Central Midfielder
• Goals + assists: 8 + 5
• Progressive passes in final third per 90: 5.61
• Progressive carries per 90: 1.00

8. N'Golo Kanté

French midfielder Kanté is admired for his tireless work rate, calmness under pressure, and versatility. A former Chelsea star now at Fenerbahçe, he helped France win the 2018 World Cup and remains a midfield anchor. His faith is integral to his character on and off the pitch.

• 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

After a trophy-rich spell at Real Madrid, Benzema plays for Saudi club Al-Hilal, adding goals consistently. Winner of the 2022 Ballon d’Or, he is valued for his positional sense and finishing. His career totals boast 463 goals and 197 assists over 867 matches.

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

6. Riyad Mahrez

Algerian winger Mahrez rose to prominence with Leicester City and Manchester City before moving to Al-Ahli. Known for his creativity and left-footed precision, he won the 2019 AFCON and has contributed over 190 goals in his career. Mahrez 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

Salah remains one of the world’s best wingers despite a recent dip in form. With superb dribbling, finishing, and vision, he was crucial to Liverpool’s 2024/25 Premier League triumph, earning the Golden Boot. His dedication to his Muslim faith, especially during Ramadan, inspires many.

• 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

Mane shone at Liverpool before moving to Bayern Munich and now plays for Al Nassr. His pace, finishing, and tactical sense make him a formidable forward. He helped Senegal win the 2025 AFCON and is known for extensive charity work supporting his hometown and national causes.

• 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

Moroccan right-back Hakimi is noted for his speed, intelligence, and attacking contributions. He helped PSG win multiple trophies including a quadruple last season. A practising Muslim, Hakimi has been honored as Arab sportsman of the year and has a stadium named after him in Morocco.

• 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 Dembele

French forward Dembele claimed the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League and Ballon d’Or, rising quickly at PSG. Known for his versatility and skill, he was once a record signing for Barcelona. Despite injury struggles, his recent form has been outstanding, including a World Cup hat-trick against Norway.

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

1. Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal stands out as the best Muslim footballer in 2026. The young Barcelona star helped secure La Liga and a domestic treble in 2024/25 and has twice won the Kopa Trophy. His dribbling, passing, and vision mark him as a prodigy. Though his religious background raised questions, his grandmother confirmed his Muslim faith. In the current season, Yamal has already tallied 25 goals and 17 assists.

• 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

FAQs

• How are the best Muslim footballers ranked? They are ranked based on current season stats, international impact, and trophies or awards earned.
• Have any won major international trophies? Yes, several have won important titles with their clubs and national teams.
• Is N'Golo Kanté included? Yes, he is ranked eighth among the top Muslim footballers.
• How many PSG players appear in the top ten? Two: Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembele.
• Who is the most successful player on the list? Sadio Mane, given his numerous club and international trophies.