5 Christian soccer players using World Cup to point people to Christ
1. Marc Guéhi (England)
England defender Marc Guéhi has become one of the most respected defenders in soccer. Born in the Ivory Coast before moving to the U.K. as a child, Guéhi was spotted by a Chelsea scout at the age of 6, and developed through the club’s academy system.
After a successful spell at Crystal Palace, where he captained the club to FA Cup success in 2025, Guéhi moved to Manchester City and is a key figure for England's national team at the 2026 World Cup.
His Christian faith has been central to his life from an early age. His father, John Guéhi, pastors a church in South London, and Marc has often spoken about the influence of his upbringing. He regularly has Bible verses inscribed on his boots, including Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon forged against you will prevail.”
Guéhi made international headlines when he wrote “Jesus loves U” on a rainbow pride captain's armband during a Premier League fixture. While the gesture resulted in a reprimand from the Football Association, it also sparked widespread discussion about faith, freedom of expression, and Christian witness in professional soccer.
