Every year, during the holy month of Ramadan, millions of Muslims worldwide fast from dawn to sunset. But what happens when you’re a top-tier athlete, training and competing at the highest level, while abstaining from food and water for long hours? Many Muslim sports stars have mastered this balance, proving that peak performance and religious devotion can go hand in hand.
The Challenge of Fasting and Competing
For Muslim athletes, Ramadan presents a unique challenge: maintaining energy, hydration, and peak physical conditioning while fasting. Some of the biggest names in football, basketball, boxing, MMA, cricket, and athletics manage to fast and still perform at elite levels.
The impact of fasting on athletic performance has been studied extensively. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences found that while fasting can lead to slight decreases in endurance and high-intensity performance, strategic meal planning and hydration can mitigate these effects. Many athletes adjust their training schedules, focusing on recovery and lower-intensity workouts during the day while pushing harder after breaking their fast.
Muslim Athletes Who Observe Ramadan While Competing
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest Muslim sports stars and how they handle Ramadan while excelling in their respective fields.
Football (Soccer)
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool & Egypt) – The Egyptian star has often been seen breaking his fast just before matches, and his performances during Ramadan show no dip in quality.
- Karim Benzema (Real Madrid & France) – The Ballon d’Or winner has spoken about fasting while maintaining his top-level performances.
- N’Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad & France) – Despite fasting, Kanté’s tireless work rate and stamina remain among the best in football.
- Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr & Senegal) – Mané, a devout Muslim, balances faith and football, ensuring his fitness levels remain at their peak.
Basketball (NBA)
- Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks, USA) – Since converting to Islam, Irving has openly discussed fasting during Ramadan while playing NBA games.
- Hakeem Olajuwon (NBA Hall of Famer, USA/Nigeria) – One of the greatest centers of all time, Olajuwon dominated even while fasting, with some of his best performances occurring during Ramadan.
Boxing & MMA
- Khabib Nurmagomedov (UFC, Russia) – The undefeated former UFC champion has always fasted during Ramadan and taken time off fighting during the holy month.
- Amir Khan (Boxing, UK) – The former world champion has spoken about training while fasting and the discipline it instills.
- Islam Makhachev (UFC, Russia) – The reigning UFC lightweight champion follows Khabib’s example, observing Ramadan while maintaining top fitness.
Cricket
- Moeen Ali (England) – The English all-rounder often fasts during international matches and speaks about how it enhances his mental resilience.
- Shaheen Afridi & Babar Azam (Pakistan) – Many Pakistani cricketers train and play while fasting, showing impressive endurance.
- Hashim Amla (South Africa, retired) – Amla was known for fasting even during test matches lasting five days.
Athletics
- Mo Farah (UK, long-distance running) – The four-time Olympic gold medalist has adjusted his training schedule during Ramadan to accommodate fasting.
How Do They Manage?
Elite Muslim athletes adopt various strategies to maintain their performance while fasting:
- Nutrient-Dense Suhoor & Iftar – High-protein, slow-digesting foods, and hydrating fruits ensure sustained energy levels.
- Hydration Focus – Drinking plenty of water during non-fasting hours prevents dehydration during intense training.
- Training Adjustments – Many shift high-intensity sessions to the evening after breaking fast.
- Spiritual & Mental Strength – Many athletes emphasize the mental and spiritual benefits of fasting, stating that it enhances their discipline and focus.
Breaking the Stereotype
Despite the mainstream media often overlooking their commitment, these athletes continue to prove that faith and performance can coexist. In recent years, sports organizations have become more accommodating, with UEFA, the Premier League, and the NBA allowing mid-game breaks for Muslim players to break their fast.
With the rise of Muslim representation in sports, it’s essential to highlight these stars and their incredible discipline during Ramadan. Their stories inspire millions and reinforce the idea that dedication, faith, and peak performance are not mutually exclusive.
Play… Fast!
Muslim athletes fasting during Ramadan exemplify resilience, discipline, and devotion. Their ability to balance elite-level sports with religious commitment deserves more recognition. As fans, we should celebrate their achievements, support their journeys, and appreciate the powerful message they send: that faith and excellence can thrive together.