Austria’s soccer/football star David Alaba states, “Jesus Christ is my father, my friend, creator of all things. He is everything.” Alaba gives God credit for guiding his career and life.
Lionel Messi, from Argentina, has achieved nearly every recognition in football. He accepts them with a grateful and humble attitude. In their game with Algeria, Messi scored all three goals, the first World Cup hat trick of his career. After each goal, he pointed to heaven and then made the sign of the cross twice. After their victory over Algeria, Messi took the attention off himself and with gratitude voiced, “I can’t ask for more than what I received. Thank God that he has given me so much; now everything is just for enjoying.” He expresses that his talent is a gift from God.
Players from Curacao and Germany came together to pray after their World Cup game. Jonathan Tah from Germany stated, “We share the same faith and we can come together in Jesus Christ. Moments like this show what football is really about beyond the competition. During the game we’re opponents, but after the game we’re Christians, so we’re brothers. We all believe that Jesus is glorified through the game, and that is why we came together. The world teaches us to fight for our crowns. Jesus calls for us to lay them down. Football may create opponents, but Christ creates brothers.”
The first thing the United States team did, after their victory over Australia, was to gather in a circle on the field, as Mark McKenzie, defender, led them in prayer and gave God the glory. When interviewed McKenzie stated, “My identity isn’t in football. My identity is in Jesus Christ.” Alex Freeman commented, “Success can become a place of pride, but gratitude keeps the heart grounded. Football is temporary. God’s faithfulness remains forever.” Christian Pulisic leads a team Bible study called “Bible Time.” Midfielder Weston McKennie’s bio states, “All glory to God.” The U.S. team also prayed together after their victory over Paraguay and their loss to Turkey.
After Ghana’s World Cup win over Panama, the players and staff gathered on the pitch, joined hands, and bowed their heads. Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare led them in a prayer of thanksgiving stating, “All Glory Belongs to Jesus.”
Cristhian Mosquera, of Spain, says, “My GOAT is God.” He is quick to shift the focus of his achievements to his faith. “God remains above all accomplishments.”
After scoring, Felix Nmecha, of Germany, knelt to the grass, took an invisible crown off his head, placed it on the ground, and pointed up to the sky. Afterwards he stated, “The game matters, but God matters more.” His bio on Instagram states: “Football is my passion. Jesus is my foundation. All the glory I give to God. He is the one who gave me this talent.”
Kenji Gorre, playing for Curacao, declared, “Talent and fame are not enough. Without Jesus, we are nothing.” The team sings worship songs during practices and rallies. They prayed prayers of thanks with the players from Germany and Ecuador after their games. Gorre said, “HIStory is being made. Thank You Jesus.”
Daniel Munoz, of Colombia stated, “Today all glory and honor belong to God.”
Cody Gakpo confirmed that 11 to 12 players from the Netherlands have been praying together throughout the FIFA World Cup.
Bukayo Saka, of England, declares, “God’s plan is perfect.”
Austrian defender David Alaba shared, “Jesus Christ is my father, my friend, the creator of all things. He is everything. My identity is not found in trophies, fame, or achievements, but in my faith.”
Congolese footballer Noah Sadiki states, “We aren’t just playing for trophies, we are playing to witness for Christ.”
Faith Pixel wraps it up well, “While the world worships trophies and fame, these legends are pointing to the ultimate King. Every crown, trophy and moment of glory ultimately belongs to Jesus. Believers are saying the greatest victory is not the World Cup, but knowing Christ.”
And whatever platform God has given us, may we, too, be quick to take a stand, speak up, and give God the glory.
Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
Psalm 115:1
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