Moroccan Footballer Wants to Become an Imam
Noussair Mazraoui. Collected photo
Manchester United and Morocco defender Noussair Mazraoui has expressed a desire to leave behind the glamour, fame, and millions associated with professional football to pursue a completely different path in life. The 28-year-old has indicated that he may retire from professional football after the 2026 World Cup and dedicate himself fully to religious pursuits. His long-term goal is to memorize the Holy Quran in full and become an imam at a mosque.
In a recent interview with a Moroccan television channel, the right-back openly shared his spiritual reflections. Mazraoui said football is only a temporary profession and life is very short. He stated that he may decide to retire from football after the World Cup. He added that his main goal now is to memorize the Holy Quran, understand it deeply, apply it in his life, and share it with his teammates. He also expressed his ultimate aspiration to become an imam.
Explaining the motivation behind his decision to learn the Holy Quran, Mazraoui said he felt deep embarrassment when he realized his limited knowledge while reciting different surahs during prayer. That moment of self-awareness led him to commit to a deeper religious path and begin memorizing the Quran.
The defender, who has played for Ajax, Bayern Munich, and currently Manchester United, was a key figure in Morocco’s historic run to the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup. At the peak of his career, his unusual and inspirational decision has already drawn widespread praise across the sporting world and social media.
