Naveed
Djed Spence made footballing history in 2025 by becoming the first player to represent England’s senior men’s team as an openly practicing Muslim — and unlike many athletes who keep faith private, he’s spoken about it directly.
| Religion: | Islam (convert) |
| Profession: | Footballer, right-back (Tottenham Hotspur, England) |
| Notable: | First openly Muslim player to earn a senior England cap |
A Conversion That Shaped His Career
Spence has described converting to Islam as a turning point that helped him push through the toughest stretch of his career — a difficult period after his move to Tottenham under Antonio Conte in 2022. In interviews, he’s credited his faith with giving him the discipline and perspective to keep going.
“I Pray a Lot”
Speaking to GB News, Spence said plainly: “I pray a lot,” and has described God as “the greatest” when discussing what grounds him. He’s shown no hesitation talking about his faith publicly, a contrast to many footballers who keep religion out of media appearances entirely.
The Norway Match Moment
After England’s 2-1 win over Norway, a photo of Spence performing an Islamic prayer on the pitch circulated widely and was described by outlets including Al Jazeera and the Gulf Today as a landmark image for representation in English football. Since making his international debut in September 2025, he’s been repeatedly cited as a role model for young Muslim footballers in the UK.
FAQ
When did Djed Spence convert to Islam?
Public reporting places his conversion around 2022, during his early period at Tottenham.
Is Djed Spence the first Muslim to play for England?
He’s specifically reported as the first openly Muslim player capped for the senior England men’s team, following his debut in September 2025.
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