Beautiful diversity: Football to spur social reform as Muslim players shine for France at World Cup

France is often in the spotlight for its Islamophobic social policies


Kazim Hamdani July 16, 2018
Manchester United star Paul Pogba while performing hajj. PHOTO COURTESY: TWITTER/MARWAN AHMED

KARACHI: As Les Bleus clinched their second World Cup title after a thrilling final win over Croatia, social media was quick to underscore that the team had seven Muslim players in it and how the country must apply its on-field victories off the field as well.

Adil Rami, Djibril Sidibé, Benjamin Mendy, Paul Pogba , N’Golo Kanté, Nabil Fekir and Ousmane Dembélé all practice the faith.

The country which is often in the spotlight for its Islamophobic social policies won the ultimate footballing prize with a team that is one-third Muslim.



Twitterati called on France to put an end to its "hypocrisy" and acknowledge the foundational and positive role Muslims play in developing its society.

In pictures: French take to the streets in celebration after World Cup victory

"Africans and Muslims delivered you a second World Cup, now deliver them justice," American author Khaled Beydoun wrote.

Paul Pogba seen praying before a match against the Netherlands. SCREENGRAB: DAILYMOTION Paul Pogba seen praying before a match against the Netherlands. SCREENGRAB: DAILYMOTION

"With France passing all these laws against Islamic practices, let's not forget it's these same Muslims players who helped win #WorldCup2018," one Twitter user wrote.

https://twitter.com/atoma019/status/1018553907046469632

Some called on France to recognise the victory as a much-needed wake-up call for the country to adopt policies upholding the rights and dignity of migrants and Muslims.

https://twitter.com/KhaledBeydoun/status/1018540593897705473






https://twitter.com/KhaledBeydoun/status/1018776149466501120



https://twitter.com/KhaledBeydoun/status/1018713623408140306



https://twitter.com/MuslimIQ/status/1018666283141943296





https://twitter.com/acjoshi/status/1018860465131270144



COMMENTS (4)

Mahen | 5 years ago | Reply Pakistan cricket and hockey teams have more than half from Hindu-christian community. I rest my case.
Khan | 5 years ago | Reply @Hasan: It's not emotional hogwash Hasan, Just like you said France gave them opportunities, same is being asked by all the twitteratis above, oppotunities should be given to every one equally not to only those you think could benefit you because one could see some talent in them during their early days.
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