Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>This book examines how global football intersects with religion and politics in the age of migration, digital media, and rising populism. Drawing from rich case studies of elite Muslim footballers, this book explicates how players navigate shifting sociocultural values, Islamophobia, and national belonging while maintaining visible piety and engaging in activism. From displaying overt religious identity on and off the pitch to making social media posts and public pronouncements invoking solidarity with oppressed communities, these Muslim athletes challenge dominant narratives about loyalty, integration, and modernity. Dribbling Divides offers a unique perspective from both a football enthusiast and an academic, providing insights into the lived realities of Muslim players in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and beyond. The author unpacks how club ownership, digital performance, gender politics, and faith-based practices shape the evolving sporting landscape. By shifting the analytical gaze from fans to players, the book invites readers to see football not merely as entertainment but more importantly, as a site of negotiation, resistance, and reimagined identity.</jats:p>