By David F. Dawes

AS WORLD CUP games proceed in Johannesburg, Christian soccer fans are no doubt keeping their eyes on a number of high profile players.

These athletes have two things in common: they are all considered star players; and they have made their faith a matter of public record.

Andranik Teymourian

Christians honoured their own during the last World Cup tournament, held in 2006 in Germany. Ecumenical News International (ENI) reported that a special award was conferred on Andranik Teymourian, defensive midfielder for Iran. He was declared 'Christian star of the World Cup,' after receiving 31.3 percent of the votes in an online contest.

The event was sponsored by Gristelijk, a Dutch ecumenical organization consisting of Catholic and Protestant lecturers and academics. The group had chosen a shortlist of 11 candidates, using one strict guideline: "We selected only players who've chosen to be open about their Christianity," stated contest organizer Menno Rasch.

Teymourian's openness is remarkable, considering the geopolitical realities swirling about his home country. According to Wikipedia, Teymourian "is noted for being the only Christian footballer in the Iranian national team."

CultureOfSoccer.com has also recognized the unique -- and potentially precarious -- position Teymourian is in.

Their 'Player Focus' comments: "In recent years, Iran's government has not given the world much reason to view it as a bastion of tolerance . . . But under the radar, there is a story of an Iranian player whose treatment shows the tolerance for which Iran has, in various periods of its history, been known . . .

"In the Muslim theocracy, he stands out as a Christian . . . Surprisingly, Teymourian insists his religion has never been an issue: 'I am very happy that as a Christian I am playing for a Muslim team.'"

Teymourian also told Agence Presse: "In terms of being a religious minority, I've got no problem; and relations are really good at the heart of the team."

Kaká

Brazilian midfielder Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, better known as Kaká, is another Christian who has been increasingly in the spotlight. A book about him for younger readers, entitled Toward the Goal: The Kaká Story, was recently released by Zondervan. A publisher's statement describes him as "arguably the greatest soccer player in the world."

Kaká, who was chosen FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007, has overcome extraordinary adversity. At age 18, the hard-working athlete was paralyzed by an accident which fractured one of his neck vertebrae. Doctors were convinced he would never play soccer again; but his increasing devotion to God led to both a physical and spiritual triumph. This, in turn, led to public proclamations of faith.

In 2002, Kaká and other members of Atletas de Cristo knelt on the soccer field after Brazil won the World Cup. Kaká removed his jersey, unveiling a T-shirt which declared: 'I Belong to Jesus.' In 2005, after the FIFA Confederations Cup final, he and some of his teammates wore T-shirts proclaiming 'Jesus Loves You' in several languages.

Speaking to the British publication Mail On Sunday, he elaborated on his transformation. "When I was baptized in 1994, something supernatural happened to me. I cannot explain it, but after that experience I got closer to God -- more in tune with him. At that moment I was really born spiritually. I began to know God more in- depth."

In Toward the Goal, a chapter called 'God and Soccer' further clarifies Kaká's experiences: "Little by little, I stopped simply hearing people talk about the Jesus my parents taught me. There came a time when I wanted to live my own experiences with God." Kaká concludes: "It makes me happy to read the Bible every day, to study it and to be in fellowship with God -- and learn more and more about Jesus."

Dirk Kuyt

Two Christian players made significant contributions to games during this past week in Johannesburg.

Striker Dirk Kuyt scored the first goal by a Dutch player in this year's series. It led the way to Holland's 2-0 victory over Denmark June 14.

Kuyt also excels off the field. According to Wikipedia, the footballer and his wife "set up the Dirk Kuyt Foundation to help disadvantaged children in his homeland and the Third World. One of the ways the foundation raises money is by selling DK-branded clothes."

Tim Howard

The skills of an American goalkeeper were also recently in the spotlight.

According to Baptist Press (BP), "It was all about goalie Tim Howard -- an outspoken Christian -- during the U.S. team's World Cup opening match against England on June 12. The game ended in a 1-1 tie.

"In spite of a first-half injury to the ribs that left him in excruciating pain, Howard managed to stay on the field and ward off England's continuous attacks throughout the remainder of the game, a feat that earned him the 'Man of the Match' title."

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Howard, who has Tourette's syndrome, was honoured in 2001 as MLS Humanitarian of the Year, for the work he has done for children suffering with the disease.

The goalie, who also works with Athletes in Action, recently told BP: "I'm certainly just a vehicle for Christ -- and he moves me, and the Spirit moves me in miraculous ways . . . from dealing with Tourette's syndrome, to the pressures playing on a level like this."

He emphasized: "I'm not perfect. I'm far from it, and that is the reason I do need Jesus. I try to live it . . . I stumble, as many people do, but always in the belief that I'm loved and that I'm meaningful."

Howard said he considers himself "blessed to be living a dream. And yet, if it all went away tomorrow, I know I would still have peace. That probably sounds crazy to most people, but that's the kind of peace Christ gives. It is rooted in his love, and it surpasses all understanding."

Samuel Kuffour

Playing the defender position for Ghana is Samuel Osei Kuffour. Like several other key Christian players, his faith has helped him through severe trials.

He spoke candidly in a 2003 BBC documentary called 'Heart and Soul,' addressing his faith -- and the tragic accidental death of his 15 month old daughter.

"Maybe Godiva was an angel," he told Religious Affairs reporter Jane Little. "She came to clear things in my life. She came to do what she had to do, and now she is with God."

Kuffour also asserted that he intends to be become a missionary or an evangelist, when he retires from soccer. "I believe that one day I will be a priest. I'll stand in front of thousands of people, and share the word of God with them."

BBC News reported that Kuffour "has pledged that the tragic death of his daughter will not affect his performance on the field, and said his Christian faith gave him the courage to face the future."

In Canada, Living Light News recently featured 'Footballers with faith' -- a special double page colour spread in the May/June edition. In addition to Kaká and Howard, the newspaper highlighted two other prominent players.

Park Chu-Young

South Korean star Park Chu-young is known as a devout believer.

Living Light notes: "The striker, who writes 'Jesus is Christ' next to his name in autographs to fans, kneels in prayer after scoring. This is a sight which is becoming increasingly common to see."

The article quotes an interview with the player from The Guardian, noting his key motivation for playing soccer: "The first and main reason why I play is to evangelize people. It would make me happy if just one person became interested in Christianity because of me."

The feature also quotes from FIFA.com: "As a disciple of Jesus, I would like to preach and praise the Lord my whole life. When the time comes for my retirement, I would like to begin missionary work while teaching and playing [soccer]."

Nicola Legrottaglie

Wikipedia describes centre back Nicola Legrottaglie as "one of the most religious Italian football players -- saying that his favourite book is The Holy Bible, which he credits to having helped him rediscover the joy of living, and love for his fellow man."

Living Light adds substance to this portrayal with some quotes from Sorted Magazine: "I like to show people, with my attitude, that Jesus makes a difference in my life. The Christian player in the world of [soccer] needs to show others that Christ makes a difference." Jesus, he said, "fills that emptiness that everyone has if they don't have him in their lives."

Christ also helps him deal with the pressure to excel at the World Cup: "I deal with it with the peace and the calm that only Jesus can give me. Jesus gives me this peace, the peace no one else has ever given me."

Lúcio

Last of these remarkable individuals -- and absolutely not least -- is the Brazilian phenomenon known as Lúcio.

Lucimar da Silva Ferreira has had his share of challenges, as he revealed in a 2005 exchange with sports journalist Wolfgang Golz.

"I've also had a few difficult times . . . When we lose, for example, God helps you find new strength in such situations."

Golz asked: "Have you ever thought about asking God to help you score goals?"

Lúcio replied: "No, but I often used to complain about referee's decisions when I wasn't on top of my game. Reading the Bible helped me balance things out."

Golz pursued: "Doesn't it clash with Christian meekness when you go in hard when tackling, and perhaps even have to hurt your opponent?"

"I'm a defender, that's my job," rejoined the team captain. "I can't just invite a striker in: 'Go ahead, score a goal.' But fairness is the top priority when tackling. I always try not to hurt my opponent."

For CC.com's exclusive interview with Lúcio, go to last week's update.

June 16/2010