Football is the world's most popular sport, and many of its biggest stars proudly come from Muslim backgrounds. From the creativity of Mohamed Salah to the leadership of Achraf Hakimi, Muslim football players continue to inspire millions through their performances, discipline, and dedication both on and off the pitch.

For many fans, however, the story goes beyond goals, trophies, and international tournaments. The names carried by these athletes often have deep Arabic roots, beautiful meanings, and centuries of Islamic history behind them. A name like Muhammad means "the Praised One," while Youssef reflects the legacy of the Prophet Yusuf (AS), and Bilal reminds Muslims of one of Islam's most honored companions.

This guide brings those two worlds together. Instead of simply listing footballers, it explains the Islamic meaning, Arabic origin, pronunciation, and significance of their names while introducing the players who have made those names famous on football's biggest stages, including the FIFA World Cup, continental championships, and Europe's top leagues.

Whether you are looking for Muslim football players, researching an Islamic baby name, or simply curious about the stories behind these famous names, this resource is designed to help you understand both the players and the rich heritage reflected in their names.

Quick Answer

Who Are the Most Famous Muslim Football Players?

Some of the world's most famous Muslim football players include Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria), N'Golo Kanté (France), Ousmane Dembélé (France), Antonio Rüdiger (Germany), Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco), Youssef En-Nesyri (Morocco), Sadio Mané (Senegal), and others. Their names are rooted in Arabic, Turkish, or Islamic traditions and remain popular choices among Muslim families around the world.

Editor's note: an earlier draft of this list included İlkay Gündoğan. He retired from the Germany national team in August 2024 and is not part of the 2026 World Cup — see the note in the Germany section below.

Why This Guide Is Different

Most articles simply publish a list of Muslim football players and stop there. This guide takes a different approach.

For every featured player, you'll discover:

• The meaning of their Islamic or Arabic name

• The Arabic spelling (where applicable)

• Name origin and linguistic roots

• Religious or historical significance

• Country and national team

• Club career highlights

• Why the name remains popular among Muslim families

• Related Islamic names worth exploring

This makes the guide useful not only for football fans but also for parents looking for meaningful Muslim baby names and anyone interested in Arabic name origins.

Muslim Football Players by the Numbers

Why Are There So Many Muslim Football Players?

Islam is followed by nearly two billion people across the world, making Muslims one of the largest religious communities globally. It is therefore natural that football, the world's most popular sport, includes outstanding players from Muslim-majority nations such as Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Senegal, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, as well as Muslim communities in countries like France, Germany, England, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Many of these players have become role models not only because of their football ability but also because of their humility, charitable work, family values, and public expressions of faith. Moments such as making sujood (prostration) after scoring, observing Ramadan while competing, or speaking openly about their beliefs have inspired millions of supporters around the world.

Countries That Have Produced the Most Famous Muslim Football Players

Top Famous Muslim Football Players (Quick List)

Muslim Football Players by Country

Football is a global game, and Muslim footballers have made a lasting impact across every major competition. While some represent Muslim-majority nations, others proudly play for countries with diverse religious communities. Their success on the pitch has also introduced millions of people to beautiful Islamic and Arabic names that carry centuries of history and meaning.

Below, you'll find some of the most famous Muslim football players, organized by country. Each profile includes the player's name meaning, Arabic spelling, origin, football achievements, and why the name remains popular among Muslim families.

🇪🇬 Egypt

Egypt has produced one of the most recognizable Muslim footballers of the modern era. The country's rich Islamic history is reflected in many of its players' names, which remain among the most popular Muslim baby names worldwide.

Mohamed Salah (محمد صلاح)

Mohamed Salah is one of the greatest footballers of his generation. Known for his incredible speed, finishing ability, and consistency, he has won domestic league titles, continental trophies, and numerous individual awards while becoming one of the Premier League's biggest stars.

Beyond football, Salah is admired for his humility, charity work, and public expression of faith. His goal celebrations sometimes include sujood (prostration), a gesture of gratitude to Allah that has become familiar to football fans around the world. At the 2026 World Cup he scored the penalty that ended Egypt's 92-year knockout-round curse, beating Australia in the Round of 32.

Why Muslims Love the Name Muhammad

Muhammad (محمد) is the most widely used Muslim name in the world because it honors the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Parents choose it as a way of expressing love and respect for the Prophet while giving their child a name associated with praise and noble character.

Related Islamic Names: Ahmad, Mahmood, Mustafa, Hamid

🇲🇦 Morocco

Morocco's remarkable performances in recent international tournaments have introduced millions of fans to talented Muslim footballers whose names have deep Arabic roots.

Achraf Hakimi (أشرف حكيمي)

Achraf Hakimi is widely regarded as one of the best attacking full-backs in world football. His pace, creativity, and defensive intelligence have made him a key player for both Morocco and his club. Hakimi has become an inspiration for young Muslims worldwide by demonstrating professionalism, discipline, and pride in his Moroccan heritage — he's spoken about being raised in a Moroccan, Muslim home and has performed Umrah multiple times.

Why Parents Choose the Name Achraf

The name Achraf (Ashraf) comes from the Arabic root associated with honor and nobility. Many Muslim families appreciate it because it reflects dignity, respect, and good character.

Youssef En-Nesyri (يوسف النصيري)

Youssef En-Nesyri has earned recognition for his aerial ability, tireless work rate, and important goals for Morocco. Editor's note: he did not make Morocco's final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, but his name and career remain a strong reference point for this section.

Quranic Connection

The name Yusuf (يوسف) belongs to Prophet Yusuf (AS), whose story is told in Surah Yusuf. Because of its Quranic significance, Yusuf remains one of the most beloved Muslim names across the world.

Sofyan Amrabat (سفيان أمرابط)

Sofyan Amrabat became internationally recognized for his tireless performances during Morocco's historic 2022 World Cup campaign and remains part of the 2026 squad. His composure, defensive awareness, and leadership made him one of the tournament's standout midfielders. The name Sofyan has been used throughout Islamic history and remains popular in North Africa and the Middle East.

Hakim Ziyech (حكيم زياش)

Hakim Ziyech is admired for his creativity, vision, and exceptional left foot. Editor's note: Ziyech was not selected in Morocco's final 2026 World Cup squad, but remains one of the most searched Moroccan footballers and his name carries strong Islamic significance.

Why Hakim Is a Beautiful Muslim Name

Hakim is one of the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah in the form Al-Hakim (The All-Wise). While "Al-Hakim" is exclusive to Allah, the personal name Hakim has long been used by Muslims with a positive meaning related to wisdom.

Bilal El Khannouss (بلال الخنوس)

Bilal El Khannouss is considered one of Morocco's brightest young talents and part of the 2026 World Cup squad. His technical ability, confidence on the ball, and maturity at a young age have attracted attention across European football.

Historical Importance of the Name Bilal

The name Bilal is forever associated with Bilal ibn Rabah (RA), the first Mu'adhdhin (caller to prayer) in Islam and one of the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ most beloved companions. Because of this legacy, Bilal remains one of the most respected Muslim names.

Quick Comparison: Morocco's Famous Muslim Footballers

Did You Know?

Many of the most searched Islamic names today—Muhammad, Yusuf, Bilal, Ibrahim, Ismail, and Zakariya—are also carried by famous footballers. This is one reason sports fans often become interested in the meanings and origins of these names after following their favorite players.

🇩🇿 Algeria: Home of African Football Legends

Algeria has long been one of Africa's strongest football nations. The country's rich Arab and Amazigh heritage is reflected in the names of many of its players, with Arabic names remaining deeply rooted in Islamic culture. Among them, Riyad Mahrez and Ismaël Bennacer have become household names through their performances in Europe's biggest leagues and international tournaments.

Riyad Mahrez (رياض محرز)

Elegant, creative, and technically gifted, Riyad Mahrez is widely regarded as one of Africa's greatest footballers. His achievements include winning the English Premier League, domestic cup competitions, and the UEFA Champions League, making him one of the most decorated Muslim footballers of his generation. Mahrez has also played a key role in Algeria's international success, helping his country win the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, and he captains Algeria at the 2026 World Cup.

Why the Name Riyad Is Special

The Arabic name Riyad (رياض) symbolizes beauty, peace, and flourishing gardens. It is associated with growth, tranquility, and abundance, making it a meaningful choice for Muslim parents seeking a name with positive imagery.

Ismaël Bennacer (إسماعيل بن ناصر)

Known for his intelligence, passing range, and composure under pressure, Ismaël Bennacer has become one of Algeria's most dependable midfielders. His ability to control possession and dictate the tempo of a match has earned praise from coaches and fans alike.

Quranic Significance of Ismail

The name Ismail (إسماعيل) belongs to Prophet Ismail (AS), the son of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He is honored throughout Islamic history for his obedience, patience, and unwavering faith. Because of its Quranic significance, Ismail remains one of the most cherished Muslim names worldwide.

Quick Facts: Algeria

• ⭐ Most Famous Muslim Footballer: Riyad Mahrez

• 📖 Popular Quranic Name: Ismail

• 🏆 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Champions

• 🌍 Strong football tradition across Europe and North Africa

🇸🇳 Senegal: Faith, Humility, and Football Excellence

Senegal has consistently produced world-class footballers who are admired not only for their performances but also for their humility, generosity, and strong connection to their faith. Many Senegalese players openly speak about the importance of Islam in their daily lives, inspiring millions of supporters across Africa and beyond.

Sadio Mané (ساديو ماني)

Sadio Mané is one of Africa's most respected footballers, and Senegal's all-time record scorer. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his pace, work ethic, and humility. Beyond football, he has earned global admiration for funding schools, hospitals, and community projects in his hometown, demonstrating a strong commitment to helping others. Although his given name is not Arabic, Mané's public practice of Islam and charitable work have made him a role model for many young Muslims around the world.

Kalidou Koulibaly (كاليدو كوليبالي)

Kalidou Koulibaly has built a reputation as one of the world's strongest defenders and captains Senegal at the 2026 World Cup. His leadership, physical presence, and consistency have made him a cornerstone of both club and country, and he's widely respected for representing Senegal with pride.

Did You Know?

Many African Muslim footballers combine local cultural names with Islamic faith. This highlights the diversity of the Muslim world—while not every Muslim name is Arabic, Islamic identity extends across many languages and cultures.

🇫🇷 France: One of Europe's Largest Groups of Muslim Footballers

France has one of the largest Muslim populations in Europe, and many of its football stars come from families with roots in North Africa, West Africa, and other Muslim-majority regions. Their names often reflect Arabic or Islamic heritage while representing the multicultural nature of modern French football.

N'Golo Kanté (نغولو كانتي)

Known for his tireless work rate, humility, and sportsmanship, N'Golo Kanté is widely admired as one of football's most respected professionals. His quiet personality and disciplined lifestyle have made him a fan favorite around the world. Although his name is not Arabic, Kanté is often highlighted as an example of integrity and professionalism among Muslim athletes.

Ousmane Dembélé (عثمان ديمبيلي)

Ousmane Dembélé is one of the most naturally gifted attacking players in world football and the reigning Ballon d'Or winner. His pace, dribbling ability, and versatility allow him to play on either wing, making him a constant threat to defenders. He has spoken about how his faith, inherited from his Malian father and Senegalese-Mauritanian mother, shapes his life.

Islamic Importance of the Name Uthman

The name Uthman (عثمان) is highly respected in Islam because of Uthman ibn Affan (RA), the third Rightly Guided Caliph and one of the closest companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Parents often choose this name because it reflects generosity, leadership, and devotion.

Ibrahima Konaté (إبراهيم كوناتي)

Ibrahima Konaté has established himself as one of Europe's top young central defenders. Strong in the air and composed in possession, he continues to play an important role for both club and country.

Why Ibrahim Is One of the Greatest Muslim Names

The name Ibrahim (إبراهيم) belongs to Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who is honored in Islam as a model of faith, patience, and complete trust in Allah. Because of its profound religious significance, Ibrahim remains one of the most beloved Muslim names across generations.

Quick Comparison: France's Muslim Football Stars

Why This Matters for Muslim Parents

One of the interesting patterns among famous Muslim footballers is the variety of their names. Some, like Muhammad, Yusuf, Ibrahim, and Ismail, come directly from the Quran and have remained popular for centuries. Others reflect regional cultures while still being carried by practicing Muslims. This diversity shows that parents can choose a name that is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition or one that reflects their local heritage while maintaining a strong Muslim identity.

🇩🇪 Germany: Muslim Stars in European Football

Germany has become home to many footballers with Turkish, African, and Middle Eastern heritage. Several Muslim players have represented the German national team while competing at the highest level in Europe. Their names reflect diverse cultural backgrounds, from Arabic and Turkish to African origins.

Antonio Rüdiger (أنطونيو روديغر)

Antonio Rüdiger is widely regarded as one of the world's best defenders. His aggressive defending, leadership, and determination have made him a key player for both Germany and Real Madrid. Rüdiger has spoken publicly about his Islamic faith, has posted about observing Ramadan, and donated his entire 2022 World Cup earnings to fund children's surgeries in Sierra Leone, his mother's homeland.

Did You Know?

Although Antonio is not an Arabic name, many Muslims around the world have local or European names while practicing Islam. Islamic identity is based on faith rather than the language of a person's name.

Editor's note: this section originally also featured İlkay Gündoğan. Gündoğan retired from the German national team in August 2024, will not appear at the 2026 World Cup, and currently plays for Galatasaray rather than Barcelona. He's been removed from this section for accuracy, though his career and Turkish-heritage name (İlkay, "first moon") remain worth a mention for readers researching Turkish Muslim names.

Germany Quick Facts

• Publicly known Muslim internationals (Rüdiger, and midfielder Nadiem Amiri, whose family fled Afghanistan)

• Strong Turkish Muslim community

• Home to several Champions League winners

🇹🇷 Türkiye: A Nation Where Football Meets Islamic Heritage

Türkiye has one of the richest football cultures in the Muslim world. Many Turkish names originate from the Turkish language, while others have Arabic or Islamic roots that have been used for centuries.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu (هاكان تشالهان أوغلو)

Hakan Çalhanoğlu is known for his exceptional free-kicks, passing range, and leadership. Throughout his career, he has represented some of Europe's biggest clubs while becoming one of Türkiye's most influential midfielders, returning to the World Cup after Türkiye's 24-year absence.

Why Parents Like the Name Hakan

Although not Arabic, Hakan symbolizes leadership, authority, and responsibility. It remains one of the most respected Turkish Muslim names.

Merih Demiral (مريح دميرال)

Merih Demiral is recognized for his strength, aerial ability, and fearless style of defending. He has represented Türkiye in major international tournaments and has become one of the country's most experienced defenders.

Also of note: Real Madrid's teenage midfielder Arda Güler has spoken about his faith shaping how he handles pressure, describing his goal celebration as an expression of tawakkul — trust in God.

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: Home of Some of Football's Most Meaningful Arabic Names

Saudi Arabia occupies a unique place in the Muslim world as the home of Islam's two holiest cities. Many Saudi footballers carry beautiful Arabic names that are widely used by Muslim families across the globe.

Salem Al-Dawsari (سالم الدوسري)

Salem Al-Dawsari became internationally famous after scoring the winning goal against Argentina during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, one of the biggest upsets in football history, and remains Saudi Arabia's most recognizable attacking player heading into 2026.

Why Salem Is a Beautiful Muslim Name

The name Salem (سالم) comes from the Arabic root associated with peace and safety. It conveys the hope that a child will live a life of security, good health, and well-being.

🇶🇦 Qatar: Rising Football Nation

Qatar has invested heavily in football development and has produced talented players who have helped the country achieve historic milestones, including winning the AFC Asian Cup.

Akram Afif (أكرم عفيف)

Akram Afif is one of Qatar's most gifted attacking players. His creativity, dribbling ability, and vision have played a major role in Qatar's success in Asian football, including their 2019 and 2023 AFC Asian Cup titles.

Islamic Meaning of Akram

The name Akram (أكرم) comes from the Arabic root meaning generosity and honor. It appears in the Quran in the phrase describing Allah as "Al-Akram" (The Most Generous) in The Quran 96:3, though as with other divine attributes, the personal name should be understood in its human context.

Also of note: captain Almoez Ali (المعز, "the strengthener") is Qatar's all-time record scorer and 2019 AFC Asian Cup Golden Boot winner.

🇧🇪 Belgium

Belgium's multicultural society has produced several footballers from Muslim backgrounds who have competed at the highest level.

Editor's note: this section originally featured Marouane Fellaini as Belgium's example. Fellaini has not featured for Belgium in years and is not part of the 2026 World Cup squad, so we've replaced him below with Belgium's actual 2026 representative.

Amadou Onana

Amadou Onana, of Senegalese heritage, anchors Belgium's midfield at the 2026 World Cup and carries a West African form of the name Ahmad, from the same root as Muhammad.

(For readers researching the name Marwan (مروان, "strong stone" or "hard mineral") — Fellaini's given name — it remains a respected classical Arabic name in its own right, independent of his current playing status.)

🇳🇱 Netherlands

The Netherlands has long benefited from players with Moroccan, Turkish, and African heritage.

Noussair Mazraoui (نصير مزراوي)

Although he represents Morocco internationally, Mazraoui was born in the Netherlands and developed through Dutch football, and he's part of Morocco's 2026 World Cup squad. His story reflects the multicultural pathways that have shaped modern football.

Why the Name Nusayr Is Special

The Arabic name Nusayr (نصير) comes from a root meaning "to help" or "to give support." It symbolizes loyalty, kindness, and standing by others during difficult times.

🇪🇸 Spain

Spain has fewer internationally known Muslim footballers than some other European nations, but the country's football academies continue to attract talented Muslim players from diverse backgrounds.

Lamine Yamal

Barcelona's teenage superstar, born in Spain to a Moroccan father and Equatorial Guinean mother, is Spain's clearest example of a young, publicly practicing Muslim footballer. He's spoken about fasting during Ramadan around match commitments, with Spain's coaching staff adjusting his training and nutrition schedule, and about the role his Moroccan grandmother played in raising him in Islamic tradition.

When discussing religion, it's important to rely only on publicly confirmed information rather than assumptions based on names or heritage — several other young Spanish-based players of Muslim-majority heritage have not spoken publicly about their faith, and we've left them out for that reason.

🌍 Other Well-Known Muslim Footballers

*Not included in Morocco's final 2026 World Cup squad.

🌟 Did You Know?

Many of the names carried by famous Muslim footballers—such as Muhammad, Ibrahim, Yusuf, Ismail, Bilal, Hakim, Akram, and Salem—are also among the most searched Islamic baby names online. This creates a natural bridge between football fans and parents looking for meaningful names with Arabic roots and Islamic significance.

Muslim Footballers with Quranic Names

One of the most fascinating aspects of football is how many world-class Muslim players carry names that appear in the Quran or are closely connected with Islamic history. For Muslim families, these names are more than personal identities—they represent faith, character, and a connection to generations of Islamic tradition.

Some of these names belong to prophets mentioned in the Quran, while others are associated with respected companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ or beautiful Arabic words with positive meanings.

These names continue to be among the most searched Islamic names because they combine beautiful meanings with rich religious heritage.

Islamic Baby Names Inspired by Famous Football Players

Many parents first discover an Islamic name through someone they admire. For football fans, watching a player represent their country with humility, discipline, and excellence can inspire them to consider that player's name for their own child.

Why Muslim Parents Choose These Names

Choosing a child's name is one of the first meaningful decisions parents make. In Islam, a good name is encouraged because it becomes part of a person's identity throughout life.

Many parents choose names carried by famous footballers not because of sporting success alone, but because those names already have respected meanings in Islamic tradition.

For example:

• Muhammad is chosen out of love for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

• Yusuf reminds parents of patience, forgiveness, and trust in Allah.

• Ibrahim represents faith, sacrifice, and leadership.

• Bilal honors one of Islam's earliest and most beloved companions.

• Hakim reflects wisdom and good judgment.

When a name combines a beautiful Islamic meaning with a positive modern role model, it naturally becomes even more appealing.

Arabic Pronunciation Guide

Learning the correct pronunciation helps preserve the beauty of these names and their Arabic heritage.

Name Popularity Around the Muslim World

Islamic names often become more popular when they are associated with admired public figures. Football has introduced millions of people to names that have been cherished in Muslim communities for centuries.

Today, names like Muhammad, Yusuf, Ibrahim, Bilal, and Ismail remain among the most popular Muslim baby names in countries including:

• Saudi Arabia

• Egypt

• Morocco

• Algeria

• Pakistan

• Indonesia

• Malaysia

• Türkiye

• United Arab Emirates

• Qatar

• United Kingdom

• Canada

• United States

Their continued popularity comes not only from religion but also from their timeless meanings and positive cultural associations.

Faith, Ramadan, and Professional Football

One reason many Muslim footballers inspire fans around the world is their commitment to balancing professional sport with their religious beliefs.

During the month of Ramadan, some Muslim players observe fasting while training and competing at the highest level. Clubs, coaches, and nutrition specialists often adjust training schedules and meal plans to support players who choose to fast. Ramadan 2026 ended in mid-March, well before the World Cup's June 11 kickoff, so fasting did not directly overlap with this year's tournament.

Football has also brought global attention to Islamic practices such as:

• Fasting during Ramadan

• Sujood (prostration in gratitude after scoring)

• Charity and community service

• Respect for family values

• Visiting Makkah for Umrah or Hajj

These moments help many non-Muslims learn more about Islamic traditions while showing that faith and elite sport can exist together.

Did You Know?

Several football stars have inspired a noticeable increase in searches for their names and meanings. Parents who admire players like Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, and Youssef En-Nesyri often go on to explore the Islamic meanings behind those names before choosing them for their children.

Research Methodology

To ensure this guide is as accurate and trustworthy as possible, the information has been compiled using publicly available and reliable sources, including:

• Official FIFA tournament records and 2026 World Cup squad announcements

• National football association websites

• Professional club profiles

• Public interviews and verified statements about religious identity

• Classical Arabic dictionaries for name meanings

• Recognized Islamic references for Quranic names and historical figures

Where a player's religion has not been publicly confirmed, assumptions have been avoided. This approach helps maintain accuracy while respecting personal privacy. Squad and retirement details (Gündoğan, Fellaini, Ziyech, En-Nesyri) were cross-checked against 2026 World Cup squad lists rather than left as originally drafted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the most famous Muslim footballer? Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi are the two most widely recognized today, both as national team captains and as players who speak openly about their faith.

Is Mohamed Salah Muslim? Yes — he prays and performs sujood after goals, fasts during Ramadan, and has discussed his faith publicly for years.

Is Achraf Hakimi Muslim? Yes — he's described being raised in a Moroccan, Muslim home and has performed Umrah multiple times.

Is Lamine Yamal Muslim? Yes — his father is Moroccan, and Yamal has spoken directly about his faith and about fasting during Ramadan.

Is Antonio Rüdiger Muslim? Yes — he has spoken publicly about his Islamic faith and posted about observing Ramadan.

Which country has the most Muslim football players? Among Muslim-majority nations, Morocco's squad is Muslim across the board. Among other nations, France has one of the largest concentrations of prominent Muslim players.

Which footballers fast during Ramadan? Salah, Hakimi, and Yamal are among those who've spoken publicly about fasting while competing professionally.

Who is the richest Muslim football player? Based on club contracts and endorsements, Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah rank among the highest earners, alongside Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kanté in the Saudi Pro League.

Which Muslim footballers have performed Hajj or Umrah? Achraf Hakimi has performed Umrah multiple times; Paul Pogba has been documented performing Hajj in past years.

Is Hakim Ziyech in Morocco's 2026 World Cup squad? No — he did not make the final squad, though he remains one of Morocco's most recognized recent internationals.

Is İlkay Gündoğan playing at the 2026 World Cup? No — he retired from the Germany national team in 2024 and is not part of the squad.

Conclusion

From Salah's sujood at Anfield to Hakimi lifting trophies in Paris, Muslim footballers have carried their faith onto the world's biggest stage — and carried names, in the process, that have meant something in Muslim households for over a thousand years. Whether you came here for the football or for the names, the two turn out to be the same story.