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Djed Spence Becomes First Muslim to Represent England Men’s National Team

September 5, 2025

Tottenham defender makes history with maiden call-up, sharing inspirational message about faith and perseverance in football.

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Key Takeaways:

Djed Spence becomes the first Muslim player on the England men’s national team.
Spurs defender overcame limited playing time to become a key starter.
Player credits faith and perseverance for his breakthrough success.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence has become the first publicly recognized Muslim player to represent the England men’s national team after receiving his maiden call-up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.

The 25-year-old left-back, who has emerged as a key player for Spurs this season, described the selection as “a blessing” and testament to his unwavering faith during challenging periods in his career.

FA doesn’t track players’ faiths, but Spence, as a Muslim athlete, makes English football history. “I pray to God often and thank Him,” Spence shared during training at St James’ Park. “In the most difficult and darkest moments of my life, I have always believed that God was always by my side.”

Spence’s journey to the national team has been remarkable. Before December 2024, he had played just 64 minutes of Premier League football. Since then, he has completed 90 minutes in 19 of Tottenham’s 22 league matches, becoming one of the season’s most improved players.

His perseverance saw him overcome being excluded from Tottenham’s Europa League group stage squad earlier in the season to eventually featuring in their triumphant campaign that ended with victory over Manchester United in the final.

The defender emphasized that he feels no additional pressure representing the Muslim community, but hopes his story inspires others. “If I can do it, you can do it, not just Muslim children, but any child of any religion. Do whatever you want, and you can achieve it.”

England manager Thomas Tuchel praised Spence’s development, while former England U-21 coach Lee Carsley noted the defender’s “limitless potential” and leadership qualities. England faces Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday before traveling to Belgrade to play Serbia next Tuesday in Group 11 qualifiers.