Djed Spence Makes History as First Muslim to Play for England

Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence made history on Tuesday, becoming the first Muslim to play for the England senior men’s national football team. The 25-year-old was brought on as a substitute in the 69th minute of England’s dominant 5-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Serbia in Belgrade.

Spence, who came on for Chelsea’s Reece James, expressed his surprise and pride at the landmark moment. “I was surprised because I didn’t know I was the first, so it’s a blessing,” he said. “It’s good to make history and hopefully inspire young kids around the world that they can make it as well.”

The debut marks a significant moment for British Muslims, a demographic that remains underrepresented in professional football despite making up approximately 6% of the UK population. Ebadur Rahman, founder of Nujum Sports, an organization that supports Muslim athletes, highlighted the importance of Spence’s achievement. “It’s a moment of celebration for British Muslims,” Rahman said. “Djed has a big responsibility on his shoulders—not only is he playing for England, he is playing for Muslims around the world because he is now a role model breaking a barrier.”

Spence’s journey to the national team has been marked by perseverance. After starting his professional career with Middlesbrough and enjoying a successful loan spell at Nottingham Forest, he joined Tottenham in 2022. Following a challenging start and three loan spells, he established himself as an important part of the squad and featured in Tottenham’s Europa League final victory last season.

Yunus Lunat, a former chair of the Football Association’s race equality advisory board, noted that it was “not particularly good that it’s taken until 2025 for a Muslim to play for England.” Spence himself reflected on the emotional nature of his debut. “The journey hasn’t been easy,” he said. “But I am officially an England player now, and I am over the moon.”