‘A role model’: Djed Spence, first Muslim England player, lifts hopes
Al Jazeera · LC · trust 38/100
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x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Djed Spence of England celebrates the victory by offering a prayer during the World Cup match between Norway v England at the Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026, in Miami, US [Marcel Bonte/Soccrates/Getty Images] By Sunniya Ahmad Pirzada Published On 15 Jul 2026 15 Jul 2026 London, United Kingdom – Djed Spence kneeled on the pitch and raised his hands skyward to thank God after England beat Norway in the World Cup quarterfinal.
The July 11 match set up Wednesday’s semifinal date with England’s archrivals Argentina. For millions watching, it was the first time an England international had offered Muslim prayers on the field, on the biggest stage in football.
“Being the first Muslim player to represent the Three Lions, it meant everything. Something I’ve always wanted as a kid. But what makes me happy is a lot of kids can look at it and be inspired. I feel it’s bigger than me and it’s great for generations to come,” the 25-year-old England defender said late last year.
Spence sustained a broken jaw against Chelsea in May 2026, and has worn a carbon-fibre mask during this tournament.
Spence’s rise this World Cup – coming off the bench, absorbing pressure from his manager, growing into his place in defence – has made him the first Muslim to represent England’s senior men’s team. Germany, France and Spain, England’s closest European rivals, have had Muslim internationals for years. For England, this milestone feels long overdue to many.
“When I found out he was Muslim, I just liked him even more,” said Zain Gondal, a 23-year-old England fan in London who has followed Spence’s run closely. He has a soft spot for Muslim players because “you can see yourself a bit in them”.
“Every time [Spence is] playing, he’s come on. He’s defended really well … I thought he was amazing.”
Riz Rehman, an ex-footballer, whose brother Zesh Rehman was the first Muslim footballer to play in the English Premier League, knows the road that led here better than most.
He spent 15 years at the UK’s Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) building the scaffolding – prayer rooms, Ramadan education for staff, breaks to open fast – that men like Spence walk into today.
He met Spence through that work at the defender’s club, Tottenham Hotspur, sitting with him during Ramadan after his return from injury.
“He’s new to the faith,” Rehman said, explaining that Spence converted to Islam a couple of years ago. “He’s a role model, and he must continue doing what he’s doing, having a good character and keep inspiring others.”
The two exchanged numbers; Rehman has messaged him before and after matches since.
“I don’t think this changes him as a person whatsoever. If anything, it will actually bring him even closer to his religion,” said Rehman.
“Djed’s England journey is about more than just football. It’s a reminder to young Muslim players and families across the UK that your faith and religion doesn’t limit ambition; it can only strengthen it,” he said.
“It is also important we don’t place the expectations of an entire community on one player’s shoulders. There are always people out there looking for faults in others, but we need to remember that everyone is on their own faith journey and Djed is no exception.”
There are others who are only getting to know Spence and his footballing prowess.
Shabna Zaheer, who founded The Scene, a South Asian-led collective focused on creating inclusive, alcohol-free spaces for the community, has screenings across London this World Cup, drawing crowds of over 200 to a venue in Brixton.
She had not followed Spence closely before. “I didn’t actually know he was a revert until I saw the photo of him … putting his hands up,” she said. “We’ve never seen an English footballer do that.”
The recognition arrived tangled with dread. “I just hope it goes well, because a lot of us also get a bit nervous when we see someone do that, for what the media might bring towards them.”
She has reason to worry because after an article about her screenings recently went viral on Facebook, the comments mostly told Muslims to “integrate” and to go to the pub if they wanted to socialise.
Daniel Bennett, The Scene’s creative director, sees hope despite the nervousness.
Representation matters at a time when Muslims and minorities are often discussed “through the lens of division or controversy”, he said, pointing to the racist abuse directed at Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after the 2020 Euro final. “I’m not going to pretend like this milestone moment will suddenly change everything.”
Gondal agreed the limits are real, and points past football entirely.
“The way that people view minorities is because they’re quite frustrated with how the country is at the moment. But that’s all to do with politics; football can’t really fix that,” warned the young England fan. “It’s on the politicians to make the country better, because they’re the ones, like [Reform UK leader] Nigel Farage , forcing these opinions onto others.”
Bennett and Rehman focus on what a Muslim international might change in the wider culture. But Mark Overall, a goalkeeping scout and coach, brings it back to who…
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