If you look into it more, you might be surprised to learn that some of the top Christian football players are also followers of Jesus. Many of these athletes identify as Christians and do not feel guilty about their religious beliefs. The following Manchester United players are on our list:
1. Tom Heaton
English professional football player Thomas Heaton was born on April 15, 1986, and he now plays as one of Manchester United players in the Premier League.
After being released by Manchester United in July 2010, Tom Heaton joined Cardiff permanently after spending time on loan at Swindon Town, Royal Antwerp, Cardiff City, Queens Park Rangers, Rochdale, and Wycombe Wanderers. Heaton started his career in the Manchester United academy but was unable to make it into the first team. After that, he signed a one-year contract with Bristol City that included a two-year option, but he declined in May 2013 in favor of a transfer to Burnley, where he stayed for six years before joining Aston Villa in 2019. In July 2021, following two years at Aston Villa, he rejoined Manchester United.
Heaton, a former under-16 and under-21 international, has been a member of senior England squads since 2015. On May 27, 2016, he made his senior debut in a friendly match against Australia.
Religion
Tom Heaton is a Christian. His public profile may hid the fact that he is a Christian but we know from reports.
2. Diogo Dalot
Portuguese professional football player José Diogo Dalot Teixeira was born on March 18, 1999. He plays defense for both the Portugal national team and Premier League Club Manchester United.
Born into the Porto development system, Dalot made his professional debut in January 2017 with the club’s B squad. In an October 2017 match against Taça de Portugal, he made his first-team debut. He joined as one of Manchester United players in June 2018 for an estimated €22 million (£19 million) after making eight appearances for Porto. Milan, an Italian Serie A team, loaned Dalot from October 2020 until June 2021.
From the under-15 to the under-21 levels, Dalot represented Portugal as a youth international. He played for the under-17 team that took home the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2016. He made his senior international debut for Portugal at UEFA Euro 2020.
Religion
Diogo Dalot identifies as a Christian. We know from accounts that he is a Christian, even if his public persona may have concealed this fact.
3. Matthijs de Ligt
Dutch professional football player Matthijs de Ligt was born on August 12, 1999. He plays center defender for both the Netherlands national team and Premier League Club Manchester United.
In a cup match against Willem II in September 2016, De Ligt made his debut for Ajax’s senior squad. Following twenty-five minutes, he scored from a corner, becoming the second-youngest goal scorer in club history, following Clarence Seedorf. When De Ligt began against Manchester United in the Europa League final on May 24, 2017, he became the youngest player in history to play in a major European final at the age of 17 years and 285 days.
He became the first defender to win the Golden Boy award in December 2018, which is given to the greatest football player in Europe under 21. De Ligt assisted Ajax in winning a domestic double and making it to the Champions League semifinals the following season.
De Ligt’s achievements in 2019 led to a transfer to Juventus, a Serie A team, just before he won the Kopa Trophy for best under-21 player of the year. In his first season, he would assist Turin in winning the league again, and in his second, he would help them win the Italian Cup again.
He spent three years in Italy before joining Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga champions, in 2022, where he won a league championship in his debut season.
De Ligt became the youngest player to start for the Netherlands since 1931 when he made his debut in 2017 at the age of 17. He played for the team in both the 2022 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2020.
Religion
Matthijs de Ligt claims to be a Christian. Despite his outward image maybe hiding the fact that he is a Christian, we know from accounts that he is.
4. Harry Maguire
English professional football player Jacob Harry Maguire was born on March 5, 1993. He plays center back for both the England national team and Premier League Club Manchester United.
Before joining the first team in 2011, Maguire progressed through Sheffield United’s development system. He played 166 games for United, won Player of the Year three times in a row, and was named to the PFA Team of the Year for League One three times. He joined Hull City in 2014 for £2.5 million, and then in 2015, he was loaned to Wigan Athletic.
He joined Leicester City for a reported sum of £12 million in 2017, and he played every minute of the 2017–18 campaign, winning Player of the Year. After joining as one of Manchester United players in 2019 for an estimated £80 million—a record sum for a defender—Maguire was named club captain six months later, a position he maintained until 2023.
In 2012, Maguire made one appearance for the England national under-21 squad. After making his senior debut in 2017, he was selected for the England teams at UEFA Euro 2020 and the FIFA World Cups in 2018 and 2022. In the latter, he was selected to the Team of the Tournament.
Religion
According to Wikipedia, Harry Maguire is a Roman Catholic. Wikipedia states that he went to St. Mary’s Roman Catholic High School and Immaculate Conception Catholic Primary School.
5. Lisandro Martínez
Born on January 18, 1998, Lisandro Martínez is a professional football player from Argentina who predominantly plays center back for both the Argentina national team and Premier League Club Manchester United. He is referred to as “the Butcher” because of his aggressive play style and precise long passes from the back.
Before joining Defensa y Justicia in 2017 on loan, Martínez started his career at Newell’s Old Boys. In 2019, he joined Ajax, where he played in 120 games over three seasons, winning one KNVB Cup and two Eredivisie titles. During the 2021–22 season, he was named Ajax Player of the Year.
Prior to making his senior international debut in March 2019, Martínez played for Argentina at the under-20 and under-23 levels. He played for Argentina in the 2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 FIFA World Cup, and 2024 Copa América championships.
Religion
It is stated that Lisandro Martínez is a Christian. We know that he is a Christian based on accounts, even if his appearance may conceal this truth.
6. Tyrell Malacia
Dutch professional football player Tyrell Johannes Chicco Malacia was born on August 17, 1999, and he plays left-back for Manchester United of the Premier League.
At nine years old, Malacia enrolled in Feyenoord’s youth program. He won the KNVB Cup in 2018 after making his club debut as a professional in December 2017. After finishing second in the competition, he was selected for the 2022 UEFA Europa Conference League Team of the Season. He joined as one of Manchester United players later that year.
Prior to making his senior international debut against Montenegro in September 2021, Malacia represented the Netherlands as a youth international from the under-16 to the under-21 levels.
Religion
Tyrell Malacia is a Christian. His social media posts usually contain connections to Christianity, such as Bible quotations and references to Jesus Christ. He specifically cites two Christian texts, Philippians 4:11–13 and Ephesians 2:8. In addition, he makes use of slogans like “I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me” and hashtags like “#Jesus.”
7. Patrick Dorgu
Born on October 26, 2004, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu is a Danish professional football player who plays for both the Denmark national team and Premier League team Manchester United as a left wing-back or left back.
Before joining and becoming on of Manchester United players in 2025, Dorgu started his professional career in 2023 at Lecce, where he participated in two Serie A seasons.
In 2024, Dorgu made his UEFA Nations League debut for Denmark as a senior international.
Religion
Patrick Dorgu is a Christian. Despite the fact that his appearance may be deceptive, we know from stories that he is a Christian.
8. Leny Yoro
French professional football player Leny Jean-Luc Yoro was born on November 13, 2005, and he plays center back for Manchester United of the Premier League.
Yoro, a graduate of Lille’s academy, joined the squad as a youngster and made his professional Ligue 1 debut in May 2022 at the age of 16 years, 6 months, and 1 day, making him one of the youngest players in the first team. He was primarily used as a substitute during his first senior season, but in his second full season as a teenager, he established himself as one of Lille’s mainstays and made his European debut in August 2023.
He became the most expensive player under the age of eighteen and one of the most expensive center backs in history when he joined Manchester United in 2024 for an estimated €62 million (£52.2 million).
At the under-17, under-18, under-19, under-21, and under-23 levels, Yoro played for France.
Religion
Leny Yoro has a strong religious faith. According to Wikipedia, he regularly mentions his faith on social media, notably by reading passages from the Bible and displaying tattoos that reflect his beliefs. When he played for Lille in France, he used to go to an evangelical church.
9. Luke Shaw
English professional football player Luke Paul Hoare Shaw was born on July 12, 1995. He plays left-back for both the England national team and Premier League Club Manchester United.
Shaw joined Southampton’s first team in January 2012 after first playing in the youth system. In May of that year, he inked his first professional contract, and over the following two seasons, he established himself as a Southampton squad regular. Shaw was acquired by Manchester United in June 2014 for £30 million, which at the time was the highest transfer fee ever paid for a teenager.
Shaw was included in the 2014 FIFA World Cup roster after making his senior international debut for England in a 1-0 friendly victory over Denmark in March of that year. He scored the fastest goal in a UEFA European Championship final and his first goal for his country in the UEFA Euro 2020 final.
Religion
Luke Shaw is a Christian. We know from accounts that he is a Christian, even if his appearance may be misleading.
10. Ayden Heaven
English professional football player Ayden Edford Heaven was born on September 22, 2006, and he plays center back for Manchester United of the Premier League.
Heaven earned his England U18 debut against Northern Ireland in May 2024.
Religion
Ayden Heaven is a follower of Christ. Despite the fact that his outside lifestyle may not look like it, we know from stories that he is a Christian.
11. Diego León
Diego Basilio León Blanco is a Paraguayan professional football player who plays for Manchester United in the Premier League as a left-back and left wing-back. He was born on April 3, 2007.
León, the youngest of nine children, was born in Colonia Yguazú, Paraguay, on April 3, 2007. He is Brígida Blanco’s son.
Religion
He is a Christian. On his Instagram page, he made a post when he signed his contract as one of Manchester United players; “First of all, i want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to defend such a great badge as Manchester United…”
12. Tyler Fredricson
English professional football player Tyler Edwin Fredricson was born on February 23, 2005, and he plays central defense for Manchester United of the Premier League.
At the under-18 level, he has earned one England cap.
Religion
Ayden Heaven is a Christ-follower. We know from reports that he is a Christian, even though he may not be public about it.
13. Harry Amass
English professional football player Harry John Amass was born on March 16, 2007, and he plays left-back for Manchester United of the Premier League. He is an England youth international.
Amass was called up to the under-16 team for a UEFA Development Tournament in Cyprus in February 2023 after having played for England at the under-15 level. He assisted the team in defeating Scotland, Denmark, and the tournament’s hosts, Cyprus.
Amass was added to the England team for the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship on May 20, 2024. He scored his penalty as Italy eliminated England on penalties after he came off the bench as a replacement during the quarterfinal.
Amass earned his England U18 debut against Portugal at Limoges on September 4, 2024.
Religion
Harry Amass is a follower of Christ. Even while he might not publicly acknowledge it, we know from stories that he is a Christian.
14. Mason Mount
English professional football player Mason Tony Mount was born on January 10, 1999. He plays midfield for both the England national team and Premier League Club Manchester United.
Mount started his professional club career with Chelsea. From 2017 to 2019, he went on loan to Vitesse and Derby County. In the ensuing years, he became a vital member of Chelsea, winning the FIFA Club World Cup in 2021, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup. The 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons saw him win Chelsea Player of the Year. In July 2023, Mount left Chelsea to sign as one of Manchester United players in that summer for an initial £55 million transfer fee.
In 2017, Mount and the England national under-19 team won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship. At the age of 20, he made his senior debut in 2019 and represented England in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2020.
Religion
Mason Mount identifies as a Christian. Even though he may not appear to be a Christian on the outside, we know from reports that he is.
15. Bruno Fernandes
Born on September 8, 1994, Bruno Miguel Borges Fernandes is a Portuguese professional football player who plays midfield for both the Portugal national team and Manchester United, a Premier League team he captained.
After beginning his career with Novara of Serie B in Italy, Fernandes quickly moved to Udinese of Serie A in 2013 and then Sampdoria three years later. He joined Sporting CP in 2017 after spending five years in Italy. In both 2018 and 2019, he was named to the Primeira Liga Team of the Year and Primeira Liga Player of the Year after winning the Taça da Liga and the Taça de Portugal. With a record-breaking 33 goals in all competitions in 2018–19, he became the top-scoring midfielder in Portugal and Europe in a single season.
For an initial €55 million (£47 million), Fernandes joined as one of Manchester United players in January 2020, making it the second-highest cost for a Portuguese player exiting the local league at the time. Over the following five years, he made over 250 appearances for United, becoming a key member of the team. In addition to helping the team advance to the UEFA Europa League final in 2021 and 2025 and the FA Cup final in 2023, he has won the FA Cup and EFL Cup together.
He won the FSA Men’s Player of the Year Award in 2020 and finished first in the Europa League scoring standings in 2019–20 and 2024–25.
Fernandes has represented Portugal at the under-19, under-20, under-21, and under-23 levels as a former youth international. He competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics on behalf of Portugal. He participated in the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and 2022, the UEFA European Championship in 2020 and 2024, and the UEFA Nations League Finals in 2019 and 2025, winning the latter two times and earning a spot on Portugal’s domestic Team of the Tournament in 2019. He made his senior international debut in 2017.
Religion
Fernandes Bruno is a Catholic. He is a Portuguese professional football player who represents both the Portugal national team and Manchester United. Maia, Porto, Portugal, is where he was born.
16. Casemiro
Born on February 23, 1992, Carlos Henrique Casimiro, better known by his moniker Casemiro, is a professional football player from Brazil who plays defensive midfield for both the Brazil national team and Premier League team Manchester United.
Casemiro rose through the ranks of São Paulo, where he started his career. In 111 games as the team’s midfielder, he scored 11 goals. Real Madrid took notice of his defensive prowess and loaned him to the team in January 2013. During his loan, he participated in 15 games for Real Madrid Castilla. After that, £5.1 million was paid to sign a permanent contract with Real Madrid, joining their first team at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Casemiro first had trouble making an impression on the first squad after joining Real Madrid. For €15 million, he was loaned to FC Porto in order to increase his playing time. Casemiro had a stellar career with Porto, helping the team advance to the quarterfinals of the Champions League. In the 2015 summer transfer window, Real Madrid made the decision to re-acquire him for €7.00 million. After rejoining the team, Casemiro was instrumental in Real Madrid’s triumph, emerging as one of the world’s top defensive midfielders and taking home multiple trophies, including five UEFA Champions Leagues, three La Liga titles, three Supercopa de España, three FIFA Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, and one Copa del Rey.
He won the EFL Cup in his debut season after leaving Real Madrid in 2022 to join as one of Manchester United players for an estimated €70.65 million.
Casemiro, who has been a full international since 2011, represented Brazil in four Copa América competitions, including the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, where he won the 2019 Copa América and placed second in 2021.
Religion
Casemiro is a follower of Christ. His acts and public utterances make his religious convictions clear, even though they are not well known. He has talked about the significance of his faith in his life and is well known for having a strong faith. He has been observed praying both before and after games, for instance. Anna Mariana Casemiro, his wife, has openly spoken their faith and is a Christian as well.
17. Manuel Ugarte
Born on April 11, 2001, Uruguayan professional football player Manuel Ugarte Ribeiro predominantly plays defensive midfield for both the Uruguay national team and Premier League Club Manchester United. His strength, timing, and location are well-known. He can play as a central midfielder, although his primary role is defensive midfielder.
Ugarte was promoted to the first team in 2016 after graduating from Fénix’s development academy. He joined the Portuguese Primeira Liga team Famalicão in December 2021. After an outstanding half-season, Ugarte joined Sporting CP, a team in the Primeira Liga, where he won the Taça da Liga. He transferred for €60 million to Paris Saint-Germain in July 2023. €50 million was paid to join as one of Manchester United players in August 2024.
Ugarte has represented Uruguay at the under-20 and under-23 levels as a former youth international. In 2021, he made his senior international debut. He was selected for the Team of the Tournament He played for Uruguay in the 2024 Copa América.
Religion
Manuel Ugarte claims to be a Christian. He might not seem like a Christian on the outside, but we know from reports that he is.
18. Toby Collyer
English professional football player Tobias Christopher Collyer was born on January 3, 2004, and he plays defensive midfield for Manchester United of the Premier League.
He captained England at the under-16 and under-17 levels while playing youth internationals. He played for the under-16 squad eight times.
Collyer earned his England U20 debut on October 10, 2024, in a 2-1 victory over Italy U20 in Frosinone.
Religion
He is a Christian.
