Dribbling divides : football, Islam, and identity / Kamaludeen Nasir.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kamaludeen Mohamed Nasir, author.

Series:

Religion and global politics

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Soccer--Religious aspects--Islam.

Soccer.

Soccer players--Social conditions.

Soccer players.

Soccer players--Attitudes.

Soccer players--Public opinion.

Muslim athletes--Social conditions.

Muslim athletes.

Muslim athletes--Attitudes.

Muslim athletes--Public opinion.

Physical Description:

1 online resource.

Other Title:

Football, Islam, and identity

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : Oxford University Press, [2026]

Summary:

"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." -- Publisher's website.

Contents:

Cover

Half Title

Series

Title Page

Copyright Page

Dedication

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Faith in Football

Historical Antagonism Towards Football

Sporting Inclusivity and Solidarity

The World Game: Globalization and Politics of Everyday Life

1 "Two Hearts Beating in their Chest": Identity, Citizenship, & Affiliation

Identity in Contested Citizenship

Politicization and Appropriation in Representation

Affiliation: Solidarity with Muslims-or Not

Globalization and Primordial Modernity

Conclusion

2 "I'll be Muslim Too": Islamophobia, Racism, and Respectability

Effects of Public Shows of Worship

The Salah Effect on Islamophobia

Revived Impact of Religion and War on Society

Blowing the Whistle on Islamophobia

Religious and Racial Mines in National Landscapes

The Long Shadow of Christianity over Europe

Politics of Descent and Affiliation

How Migration Has Shaped Football

Muslim Discrimination and Prejudice in Football

Resistance to Muslim Symbols

Respectability Through Representation

Positive Developments

3 "Who Speaks for Islam?": Shifting Values and Communities

Shifting Power Structures Through Muslim Local Football Ownership

The Shifting Goal Posts for Social Identities

Decentralizing the Global Football Epicenters

Pitching Alternative Values

Alcohol Consumption

Desiring Muslims: The LGBTQ+ Lobby

Challenging Value Systems

Glocal Influences in Renegotiating Soft Power

The Modern Burden of Primordial Identifiers

Evolving Football Landscapes in the Muslim Psyche

Between Global Celebrification and Boycotts

4 "The Biggest Equalizer": Women and Football

Historical Trajectory of Women in Sports

Women and Football in the Muslim World

Iranian Women's Long Battle to Attend Games

Women's Football Leadership in the Arab World

The Muslim Body Regimen

The Hijab Chronicles

Al-Hayā and the Modes of Modesty

Suspended Membership: From Football Fraternity to Citizenship

Blazing the Trail by Lowering Barriers to Entry

Representation and Citizenship

Conclusion

5 "#Mashallah": Digital Piety and Activism

Digital Piety and Orthopraxy in the Age of Social Media.

Social Capital and the Reimagining of Muslim Identity

Digital Activism: Speaking Truth to Power

Imagined Identities and Representation

Screening Football in the Muslim World

Representation in a Deterritorialized Nation

Imagined Identities-"We are all Palestinians!"

Virtual Triumphs and Real-World Trials

Dribbling Divides . . . In Lieu of a Conclusion

A Global Perspective

Fielding "Cool Islam"

Final Reflections

Bibliography

Index.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on online resource; title from digital title page (Oxford Academic, viewed on July 7, 2026).

Other Format:

Print version : Kamaludeen Mohamed Nasir. Dribbling divides.

ISBN:

9780197799789

0197799787

9780197799765

0197799760

9780197799772

0197799779

OCLC:

1579622648

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license