Football Stars Share Their Faith During FIFA World Cup Spotlight
(Photo: Instagram/YouVersion)
Amidst the vibrant excitement of the FIFA World Cup, a group of Premier League players is stepping into the limelight not just for their on-field skills but for their off-field beliefs. These athletes are partaking in a Bible campaign that seeks to engage global fans with Scripture.
This initiative is a segment of YouVersion’s Mid-Year Bible Reading Challenge: World Cup Edition. It invites individuals to delve into the Bible over seven consecutive days, contributing to their nation’s ranking on a global leaderboard, and earning a digital badge in the process.
Key participants include Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace and France, Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forest and Nigeria, Michelle Agyemang of Arsenal and England, Sam Coffey from Manchester City and the United States, and Morgan Gautrat from Newcastle United and the United States. More player insights are anticipated as the campaign progresses.
Through brief videos shared online, these footballers discuss how specific Bible passages have influenced their lives both personally and professionally, touching on themes of faith, identity, and the demands of playing at an elite level.
Maxence Lacroix emphasized the Gospel of Matthew 28:19-20, known as the Great Commission, in an Instagram post, describing it as a constant reminder that his purpose surpasses football. He expressed that the passage motivates him to deepen his understanding of God, aiming to reflect His character more fully.
Lacroix said, “We still have something to do in this world, which is to speak out, to be a witness, to be able to show the character of Jesus. Everyday I wake up and give glory to the God that I exist, that I’m part of the Kingdom. I’m simply filled with a joy and peace that’s very hard to explain but which you really have to experience.”
In his message, Lacroix stated that his mission extends beyond winning games, focusing instead on “to share Jesus with others.”
Similarly, Taiwo Awoniyi highlighted Ecclesiastes as a guiding influence, underscoring that his faith forms the foundation of his life. “My faith is not something I turn to only when life is difficult or only when everything is going well,” he remarked.
Referring to his Christian upbringing, Awoniyi shared that his deeper relationship with God through Scripture attributes his life’s successes to divine grace. He expressed, “My greatest desire is to fear Him, keep His commandments, and live a life that honours Him. As Ecclesiastes reminds us, this is the whole duty of mankind.”
Awoniyi concluded, “After all is said and done, I am who I am because of God. God is the Greatest,” emphasizing the value of his testimony in potentially encouraging others to trust more deeply in God.
The campaign also includes 39 players from Brazil and Latin America, featuring names like former Brazil star Kaká and Lucas Moura.
Amidst an increasing display of Christian faith among professional athletes, this campaign highlights how footballers are using various platforms to publicly share the impact of their beliefs on their lives and careers.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
