jordan pulse -

​Actions and gestures by several high-profile football stars over the years have generated widespread public debate regarding their religious beliefs, with fans and media linking various behaviors to potential conversions to Islam despite the absence of official confirmation.
​Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo drew significant attention following his transfer to Saudi club Al-Nassr in January 2023, after performing a prostration (sujud) following a goal and frequently using Arabic expressions in public. Similarly, former Brazilian international Roberto Carlos faced persistent speculation due to his marriage to a Muslim woman, though he later clarified his respect for his wife's practice while addressing his own views.
​Speculation also extended to French icon Thierry Henry following positive comments about Islam and his Muslim teammates, while old reports concerning former England striker Wayne Rooney's interest in reading the Quran spurred similar conversion rumors. In the case of Zlatan Ibrahimović, public assumptions stemmed from his father's Bosnian Muslim background, though the striker noted his non-religious upbringing. Dutch forward Robin van Persie likewise addressed persistent rumors surrounding his marriage to his Moroccan wife, clarifying that he does not follow an official religion.
​These unconfirmed cases stand in contrast to high-profile players who formally announced their conversion to Islam, including Clarence Seedorf, Franck Ribéry, Nicolas Anelka, and Thomas Partey.
​Source: Rum News Agency