5 World Cup teams with footballers of faith

Gabriel Ong // December 5, 2022, 3:37 pm

Behind Bukayo Saka’s precocious talent lies a firm foundation – his faith in Jesus. Photo credit: Christian Premier News.

From England’s Bukayo Saka to USA’s Christian Pulisic, meet the Bible-believing blokes who are kicking ball for Jesus in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

We scoured social media and the internet to find out who’s kicking a ball for Jesus and, boy, there are some top blokes.

You can still root for some of them who have gone through to the knockout rounds this week.

Ecuador

I caught the opening game between Qatar and Ecuador on the first night, and how they celebrated their goals really caught my attention.

Each after time after they scored, the entire time gathered together on their knees and gave thanks to God in worship.

Photo credit: Premier Christian News

It’s not uncommon to see goalscorers celebrate by pointing to the sky as a sign of thanks to God, or by making other shows of devotion and thanksgiving.

But a whole team giving thanks to God together? That was a first and a pleasant surprise for me.

In a host country where displays of Christian devotion are frowned upon and even persecuted, such a celebration was brave.

ENGLAND

Bukayo Saka, or Starboy, as he is also known among fans of the world’s greatest club, Arsenal FC, has been on a meteoric rise since his breakout season with the Gunners in 2019.

On the international stage, carrying on from his masterful and spirited displays for England at Euro 2020 – including stepping up to take the last penalty at the Final as a 19-year-old – Saka seems to have carried on from where he left off, scoring two smart goals against Iran in the World Cup group stages.

Photo credit: Facebook

But beneath Saka’s precocious talent lies a firm foundation – his faith in Jesus. Premier Christianity reported how Saka wrote to pupils at his alma mater in 2020 about faith:

“I grew up in a Christian family who believe strongly in God. This always made me curious to get to know God more and I have done so by reading my Bible a lot and going to church a lot over the years. My faith is constantly being exercised when I’m put in different situations or I play in big football matches such as my England debut.

“I hold onto God’s promises such as the scripture, ‘Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours’.

“So before every game I ask God to help me play well, help my team and try to score a goal or assist a goal and he answers my prayers so this is why I point to the sky to thank him.”

To me, Saka has always radiated joy and a maturity beyond his years … now we know where he gets it from!

USA

Christian Pulisic, or Captain America, as he’s fondly known to his fans, is a believer and has shared that he reaches out to God for strength before games.

The 24-year-old revealed as much in an interview with GQ last year:

“Something that I’ve grown a lot closer with this past year is my belief in God, especially being alone over here. I feel like I always have someone who’s with me. I don’t know how I would do any of this without that feeling that He’s watching over me and there’s a reason why I’m here.”

Photo credit: Facebook

Elsewhere on the team sheet, there’s also Walker Zimmerman.

The centre-back and pastor’s kid may not have had the best first game against Wales, but his Christian values will undoubtedly serve him well in the long run:

“You hear about pastor’s kids going one or two ways. There was a lot of pressure, but I grew into it and made my faith my own. I feel a sense of purpose to use my platform to glorify God, to reflect that back on Him.

Photo credit: FC Dallas

He’s apparently also a really heartwarming writer, and definitely comes across as someone to root for.

COSTA RICA

Keylor Navas is not the biggest keeper at 1.85m, but he’s played for some of the biggest teams like Paris Saint-Germain FC and Real Madrid.

Photo credit: Facebook

What helps Navas stand tall is his foundation in Christ:

“My faith is the most important thing. I believe that, the moment I had a very personal relationship with God and I really knew what his Word said, it was not about religion. It was about knowing that what the Bible tells us is what He has left us. It changed my life. It filled the void in my heart. That is why I am so grateful.”

I’ve watched Navas play over the years and have often wondered how on earth he was able to make some astounding saves – maybe he’s learnt a thing or two from the Saviour Himself!

BRAZIL

Personally, after Kaká, Brazil’s national football team never seemed to have a shortage of bold Christians.

These believers include players like Alisson Becker and Thiago Silva who upon arriving in Qatar wrote on Twitter: “May our Lord guide and bless our team”.

Photo credit: Alisson Becker on Premier Christian News

If you need more reasons to back Brazil, I’ll give you two – they’ve got the amazing Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.

Oh, and there’s the fact they’ve won it more than anyone as five-time champions.

All out for Jesus

There’s going to be more Christian athletes in every team worth rooting for in the World Cup, but that was my list.

As these guys go all out for Jesus in Qatar, it’s also worth thinking for ourselves what representing Jesus looks like in our lives.

What does that look like in our homes, our workplaces and schools?

May we represent Christ rightly and in increasing measure – and may the best team win!

This article was first published on Thir.st and is republished with permission.