More please!

The news had astonished me. What comes into your mind when Frederic Kanoute's name is mentioned? Firstly he's a footballer who plays in Spain. Secondly he's a Muslim. A reverted muslim. He's not an ordinary footballer and also not an ordinary Muslim. He was a top scorer in Spanish La Liga last season. Well Thierry Henry also made name with his prolific striking rate at Arsenal. But this lad is special. He's not just a typical footballer who only plays football week in week out and tastes pleasure of getting high salary. He not only plays but he speaks through football.

I first came notice of him when he stole the headlines by not going to wear his jersey while on the pitch since the label stamped in front is a gambling company and it's forbidden in Islam. After negotiation he agreed that all the money sponsored by the company to him will be donated to children welfare. Not only that, recently during the Gaza attack once again he stole the headlines by exposing his shirt after celebrating his goal that written the word Palestine in several languages showing his support on citizen of Palestine. He was then fined with an amount of money that I'm not sure of.

Firstly it's because a player is not allowed to take off his shirt while celebrating his goal and secondly, a player is not allowed to be involved with politics and world issues. Did'nt he aware of these rules? I'm totally sure he knew. But then why did he still do what is not allowed to do? Players are also human being like others. They have freedom to express what they think of. They're not a slave to be told you can't do this and that. They are role model that most men and kids look up to. So for me personally what they do on and off the pitch are really important so that they can unfluence others to do goods and avoid bads. Hopefully his act could open others eyes. At least he already did his best educate people.

p/s: the influx trend of muslim players into premier league is very welcoming. To be ambassadors representing muslims for the whole world is not easy. Hopefully they can project the right view of Islam to the world. i'm a football freak!