Which Premier League players could be fasting this Ramadan?

Last Updated on 17 February 2026

As Ramadan approaches, many Muslim footballers across the Premier League are preparing for a period that will test both physical endurance and personal discipline.

During the holy month, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset, a daily fast that can intersect directly with evening kick-offs in England’s top flight.

In recognition of this, the Premier League has confirmed plans to make it easier for players. After all, key stars like Mohamed Salah and William Saliba will be among the lot that will fast during games.

Muslim Premier League set to fast this Ramadan

A significant number of Premier League players are expected to observe Ramadan this year, like every year. Muslim players in the Premier League span title contenders, European hopefuls and relegation battlers alike.

Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers are among the clubs with a single Muslim player in their squads. William Saliba remains an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s team, while Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is involved in Wolves’ push to avoid relegation.

Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Brentford, Burnley, Fulham, Newcastle United and West Ham United each have two players who could be observing Ramadan.

Chelsea have three, while six other clubs — Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Everton, Crystal Palace and Brighton — have four Muslim players apiece.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have five Muslim players, and Sunderland boast six, the most in the league.

Premier League to allow sunset breaks for fasting players during Ramadan

The Premier League has announced the reintroduction of brief pauses during matches that coincide with sunset throughout Ramadan. This would enable Muslim players observing the fast to break it safely on the pitch.

Ramadan requires abstention from food and drink from just before dawn until sunset. As a result, evening fixtures can leave fasting players without hydration for the majority of matchday preparation and play.

The sunset breaks, typically lasting under a minute, allow players to take water and energy gels at the moment the fast ends. Effectively, all this happens without materially disrupting the flow of the game.

The measure has been widely welcomed across the sport since its initial implementation. It is seen as a practical accommodation that respects religious observance while maintaining competitive integrity.

These breaks also reflect the Premier League’s increasingly diverse player base. Muslim footballers are now represented across nearly every club in the division.