The First Muslim to Wear the England Shirt at a World Cup

Humraha News

After England's quarterfinal win in Miami, defender Djed Spence knelt and raised his hands in dua. It was a first for an England player at a World Cup.

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A dua seen around the world

After England beat Norway in their July 11 quarterfinal at the Miami stadium, defender Djed Spence knelt on the grass and raised his hands to thank Allah. For the first time ever, an England international offered Muslim prayers on the field at football's biggest tournament. The 25 year old is the first Muslim to wear the England jersey at a FIFA World Cup, a milestone fans of the Three Lions have waited generations to see.

A journey of faith and hard work

Spence, who plays his club football for Tottenham Hotspur, embraced Islam only a few years ago. He even played through this tournament wearing a protective mask after recovering from a jaw injury, which somehow makes the story better. Mentors like Riz Rehman, who has spent years building support for Muslim players in English football, from prayer rooms to Ramadan awareness, describe him simply as a role model of good character.

"What makes me happy is a lot of kids can look at it and be inspired. I feel it's bigger than me."Djed Spence, on being England's first Muslim player

Why we love this story

Somewhere in Ohio, in Texas, in New Jersey, a Muslim kid watched a defender point to the sky and make dua in front of the whole planet, and quietly thought, I can be fully myself and still reach the top. That is worth more than the trophy.

Watching a name shine on the back of a shirt never gets old, and you can put your own family's name front and center with our Personalized Arabic Name Sweatshirt. Hosting for the rest of the tournament? Grab ideas from our Muslim family watch party guide.