Being Muslim in European Football: Defining Spaces of Muslimness

This paper explores the intersection of football and Islam, looking especially at European contexts, and with particular focus on the experiences of Muslim footballers in the UK. By examining the stories of UK Premier League player Cheikhou Kouyaté and amateur footballer Yasmin Abdullahi in London, the paper investigates how these individuals navigate their Muslim identities in the context of their sporting careers. The paper reflects on the broader cultural and societal implications of Muslimness in football, considering how both Muslims and non-Muslims contribute to defining Islamic spaces within the sport. The research also touches on the evolving perceptions of Islam in the media and public spaces, and how football clubs and organisations have become more inclusive of religious practices. This discussion extends to the role of football in identity formation and its potential for both empowerment and social change, particularly in light of migration and integration issues in contemporary society.