As the 2026 World Cup captivates the world, five prominent footballers — Marc Guéhi, Bukayo Saka, Christian Pulisic, Alisson Becker and Noah Sadiki — are using the tournament’s global platform to openly point to their Christian faith.
FIVE FOOTBALLERS USING THE WORLD CUP TO POINT TO CHRIST
The World Cup brings goals, glory and global obsession every four years. But for a growing number of players, it’s also a pulpit. According to Christian Today, here are five footballers using football’s biggest stage to point beyond themselves.
1. Marc Guéhi (England)
Guéhi’s faith runs deep — his father pastors a church in South London, and the defender often wears Bible verses on his boots, including Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon forged against you will prevail.” He made headlines after writing “Jesus loves U” on a Pride captain’s armband, sparking national debate and an FA reprimand — but also a wider conversation about Christian witness in football.
2. Bukayo Saka (England)
Arsenal’s brightest star has never hidden where his confidence comes from. “It’s really important to obviously have the presence of God in me all the time,” Saka said during the 2022 World Cup. “It gives me more confidence that God’s plan is perfect.” At Arsenal, he’s part of a trio nicknamed the “Bible brothers,” alongside Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke.
3. Christian Pulisic (United States)
“Captain America” has long credited his resilience to something bigger than talent. “I reach out to God and He gives me strength,” Pulisic said after a 2021 Champions League match. “With that behind me, nothing can stop me, really.” For the USMNT’s all-time leading scorer, faith isn’t a sideline story — it’s the foundation.
4. Alisson Becker (Brazil)
Brazil’s world-class goalkeeper doesn’t just talk about faith — he lives it publicly. He once baptised Liverpool teammate Roberto Firmino in his own swimming pool. “I’m not religious,” Alisson has said. “I’m a follower of Christ. Religion is often tied to traditions that have clouded the true message of Christianity. Jesus is far greater than religion.” Now playing in his third consecutive World Cup, his witness remains as bold as his shot-stopping.
5. Noah Sadiki (DR Congo)
At just 21, Sadiki is part of a historic moment — DR Congo’s first World Cup appearance since 1974. Born in Brussels and developed at Anderlecht, Sadiki chose to represent Congo over Belgium. His faith is front and centre: “I feel well talking about my faith because it’s giving me peace,” he said. When journalists once asked the secret to his strong performances, he skipped the words entirely and simply held up his Bible.
The bigger picture
Whether it’s scripture stitched into boots, baptisms in backyard pools, or a Bible held up in front of cameras, these five players are proving that for some of football’s brightest names, the World Cup isn’t just about lifting a trophy. It’s about using the most-watched stage on the planet to point people somewhere else entirely.
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