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In a recent football match, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi marked his goal against Arsenal by pointing towards the sky, a gesture he frequently makes. Similarly, Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber, affectionately known by fans as “Pastor Timber,” mirrored this action during the penalty shoot-out. Both players, along with others from their teams, have recently highlighted the significance of their Christian faith in their lives and sports careers. Such expressions of belief are not confined to football; professional athletes across different sports continue to navigate the intersection of faith and competition.
Earlier this year, at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, British sprinter Jeremiah Azu encountered some controversy when he wore a “100% Jesus” headband during a 400m semi-final. Although World Athletics officials did not penalize him, they did address the issue with his team, reminding them about regulations concerning religious displays. Azu, who is 24 and the son of a pastor, explains that his faith is a source of strength and discipline, which directly influences his approach to athletics. He shared with BBC Newsbeat, “As a Christian you have to be disciplined,” adding that this sense of discipline helps him push through challenging days during training and competition.
While Jeremiah Azu feels comfortable openly expressing his Christianity, other athletes face more complex challenges related to their faith. Semi-professional footballer Zainab El-Mouden, who plays for Chesham United FC Women, navigates her journey as a female Muslim athlete who wears a hijab. The hijab, a head covering worn for modesty, was once banned by FIFA until a rule change in 2014 allowed it for religious reasons. El-Mouden recounts the personal evolution she experienced regarding her hijab, initially feeling self-conscious but eventually embracing it as a symbol of strength. She recognizes the different ways male and female Muslim players are perceived, noting that female players are more visibly distinct, which can create divides. Zainab aspires to serve as a role model for young girls who need visible representation in football.
Faith can also play a role in an athlete’s mental preparation and emotional control. Studies have shown that a positive mindset, sometimes nurtured through prayer or religious rituals, may enhance performance. Research from Seoul University in 2000, which analyzed interviews with athletes from multiple sports, identified prayer as a key coping mechanism for managing pre-competition anxiety. Jaiden Chang-Brown, a semi-professional footballer with Lingfield FC and a self-described “born-again Christian,” credits his faith with helping him maintain emotional balance on the pitch. He admits that his passion sometimes led to outbursts in the past, but his beliefs have brought him a sense of peace and improved his mental game. Jaiden emphasized to BBC Newsbeat, “It’s bigger than football, it’s bigger than everything,” insisting that faith remains an integral and empowering part of his identity
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