Muslim Footballers Select XI (Eid Special)

As today is the holy Muslim festival of Eid Ul Adha, I thought I'd do an Islamic themed blog. Surprising to most people there are a very large number of Muslim footballers playing for top flight clubs in England, Italy and Spain. Obviously Islam is a faith and people following it have different appearances and can't be identified solely by their appearance. After doing my research I have managed to put together a Muslim Select XI, I personally think with side could beat most club and international teams.

Subs: GK Samir Handanovic, LB Aly Cissokho, CB Khalid Boulahrouz, DM Lassana Diarra, CM Seydou Keita, RM Hamit Altintop CF Nicolas Anelka

Goalkeeper - Lee Woon-Jae

Has 132 Caps for South Korea has played in four World Cups with his best finish being a surprising fourth place for South Korea in 2002. Converted to Islam in 2004 and is the only Muslim to play for South Korea.

Right Back - Bakary Sagna

First choice for Arsenal and France signed by Arsene Wenger from Auxerre.

Centre Back - Kolo Toure

Signed by Manchester City from rivals Arsenal. Kolo Toure is known for his calmness under pressure and modesty. It is know that he is highly respected by the clubs Saudi owners due to his practising of his faith.

Centre Back - Madjid Bougherra

Highly rated before the 2010 where he went on to prove his quality. Plays top level Champions League football for Rangers and put in an excellent performance against Manchester United. Son of Algerian immigrants his faith has been passed down from his family and is deeply religious.

Left Back - Eric Abidal

Champions League winning full back, currently struggling to get into the Barcelona and France team, but previous achievements show his quality. He converted to Islam after marrying his Algerian wife.

Central Midfield - Sami Khedira

German born son of Tunisian immigrants, currently first choice for Real Madrid and Germany being touted as future Germany Captain after he led the under 21s to success in the European Championships as captain.

Central Midfield - Yaya Toure

Brother of Kolo Toure, Champions League Winner, highest paid player at Manchester City and devout Muslim.

Attacking Midfield - Mesut Ozil

Star player of Germany at the World Cup in South Africa. Has recently said that he recites the Quran before games rather than singing the national anthem. He may not be patriotic in his singing but he lets his football for Germany do the talking. Unlike many players of Turkish descent chose to play for Germany the country of his birth ahead of Turkey.

Right Wing - Franck Ribery

Frances star player and Champions League Finalist with Bayern Munchen. Converted to Islam and changed his name to Bilal Yusuf Mohammed.

Left Wing - Samir Nasri

Arsenals tricky winger is the son of Algerian immigrants, is a practising Muslim and always takes the time to recite prayers on the pitch before every game.

Striker - Robin Van Persie

Bet this one surprised you? Sold to Arsenal by Feyenoord due to his bad boy antics in his younger days. It is rumoured that he converted to Islam as his wife is a Morrocan Muslim. But this is unconfirmed so I through him in because he's pure quality. If he isn't Nicolas Anelka is always waiting in the wings.

For all those who are Muslim have a enjoyable Eid and for all those who aren't, I hope that this article has shown you regardless of what the tabloid media says Muslims can participate in everyday society and can even be idolised as many of the names mentioned above.