Abel Xavier Convert to Islam

Abel Xavier, former Portuguese player, has made the important decision to convert to Islam and quitting football at the age of 38. The Portugal star now wants to go by the name of Faisal Xavier and will embark on humanitarian projects with the United Nations.

Faisal Xavier, a Muslim soccer player, said: "While it's an emotional farewell, I hope to participate in something very special as I enter a new stage of my life."

"In times of trouble, I have found comfort in Islam. Gradually I learned of learned a religion that professes peace, equality, freedom and hope. These are foundations with which I identify."

Eric Abidal, Barcelona

Eric Abidal is a Muslim soccer player of French national team and Barcelona as defender. He has converted to Islam when he married with his wife, Hayet Kebir. Eric Abidal and Hayet Kebir were neighbors in Lyon, in the district of La Duchere. "All I can say is that I am happy to have a wonderful woman who has not only given his heart and two great kids, but also a religion that preaches peace" He said.

In interview conducted by Le Buteur newspaper, Abidal said about Islam and soccer.

Playing with Barca and make Ramadhan, is this possible?

Yes even with Yaya Toure we have chance to play official matches at night. We could do fasting Ramadhan in training, but never in an official match.

Is it difficult for a Muslim player to adapt to the demands of high level?

No, and examples of Muslims moving to the highest level are legion. Even in Barcelona, we both practice as well as possible the precepts of Islam by trying to reconcile these two things.

Benzema, Salihamidzic & Anelka Scoring Goal

This week, many Muslim soccer players continue their awesome performance. In Real Madrid, Karim Benzema scoring one goal to make Madrid destroys Zaragoza 6-0. In Juventus, Hasan Salihamidzic had given Juve some hope in the game with Catania, but it was not enough to prevent another defeat for Juventus from Catania 1-2. Nicolas Anelka in Chelsea also scoring one goal in the first half to bring Chelsea 2-1 win over Portsmouth.

Here are some pictures from AP.

Karim Benzema, Real Madrid

Karim Benzema was born on December 19, 1987 in Lyon, France. He is a Muslim soccer player who currently plays as a striker in Real Madrid, La Liga.

He is coming from Muslim family in Algeria. His uncle is the imam of the mosque's original village, located in Jlil Ath, 70 km south-east of Bejaia. In the late 1950s, the grandfather of Karim Benzema, Da Lakehal Benzema left the village Tighzert to settle in Lyon with his family. Karim is from the third generation of Benzema. At home everybody respects the pillars of Islam, even if he does not show it on the ground.

Lee Woon-Jae Ready for World Cup 2010

At 36 years old, Korean national team goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae is showing that he still has what it takes to compete at a high level. He has include as one of 35 players for South Korea training camps in South Africa and Spain next month. The 2002 semi-finalists has been drawn into Group B of the 2010 World Cup along with Argentina, Nigeria and Greece.

Zidane will Visit Gaza in March 2010

Muslim soccer star, Zinedine Zidane will be paying a visit to the Gaza Strip as part of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) efforts to promote peace between Palestinians and Israelis. He is scheduled to travel to the blockaded enclave in March 2010 as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.

“I'm thrilled to be appointed by the UN children's organization as an envoy to tour Gaza Strip. I will make every effort to give Gaza residents great big smiles on their faces. Gazans have suffered serious losses, damage, and injuries due to Israeli acts of violence,” Zidane stated.

Anelka Talk About Himself

"I am not one to talk a lot, certainly not in the dressing room, but that is not being rude, it's because I am basically shy"

"Other players will tell you I don't speak too much. But they respect who I am and how I am"

"I converted to Islam when I was 16 because most of the kids in the Paris suburb where I grew up were Muslim. I don't pray in the dressing room or anything like that"

"It's a private thing that I take home with me but I like to live a good life"

"So who is the real Nicolas Anelka? I am just a simple person. I want to enjoy my football. I don't do much outside. I just go home and watch TV and sit with my friends"

"The image of me as some sort of trouble-maker is wrong. I don't go out much and you will never see me drunk"

"And on the pitch I have just one red card, when I was at City - against Arsenal!"

"For me, a good night out is at a restaurant with family and friends. That's it."

source:

Interview by ROB SHEPHERD

(www.notw.co.uk, 28/11/2009)