Several Premier League footballers are using the global attention surrounding the FIFA World Cup to speak openly about their Christian faith, taking part in a Bible campaign encouraging fans around the world to engage with Scripture.
The initiative forms part of YouVersion’s Mid-Year Bible Reading Challenge: World Cup Edition, which invites people to read the Bible for 7 consecutive days with each day's engagement contributing to their country's standing on a global leaderboard while earning users a digital achievement badge.
Among the players participating are Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace and France, Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forest and Nigeria, Michelle Agyemang of Arsenal and England, Sam Coffey of Manchester City and the United States, and Morgan Gautrat of Newcastle United and the United States, with more testimonies expected to be released throughout the campaign.
Through short videos shared online, the players explain how particular Bible passages have shaped their lives both on and off the pitch, reflecting on faith, identity and the pressures of elite sport.
In an Instagram post, Lacroix highlighted Gospel of Matthew 28:19-20, commonly known as the Great Commission, describing it as a daily reminder that his purpose extends beyond football.
He said the passage inspires him to “get to know Him better so that I can reflect Him more fully,” adding that it gives him confidence because, although he is “not the best disciple,” he knows he can continue to grow in faith.
He continued: “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 the video’s caption, Lacroix wrote that his God-given mission is not simply to win football matches but “to share Jesus with others.”
Awoniyi, meanwhile, pointed to Ecclesiastes as a key influence on his life, saying his Christian faith underpins everything he does.
“My faith is not something I turn to only when life is difficult or only when everything is going well,” he said. “It is the foundation of everything I do.”
Reflecting on his upbringing in a Christian family, Awoniyi said he has grown to know God more deeply through Scripture and believes every success in his life is a result of God's grace.
He continued: “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.”
“After all is said and done, I am who I am because of God. God is the Greatest,” he concluded, adding that if sharing his testimony encourages even one person to trust God more fully, it is worthwhile.
The campaign also features 39 footballers from Brazil and Latin America, including former Brazil international Kaká and Lucas Moura.
The campaign comes amid growing visibility of Christian faith among professional athletes, with an increasing number of footballers using interviews, social media and major sporting events to speak publicly about the role their beliefs play in their lives and careers.
