From Striker to Spiritual: The Swedish Star’s Islam Journey in Saudi Soccer

Turning Point: A Footballer’s Faith Journey

In a story that transcends the game, Swedish star Robin Kayson, once a fixture of Al-Ettifaq, stunned fans by publicly embracing Islam after a profound spiritual journey in Saudi Arabia.

The former striker, known for his goals on the pitch, chose to pursue what he calls the ultimate goal in life, announcing his conversion in a heartfelt post on Snapchat after years in Dammam that left a lasting imprint on his heart and routine.

His announcement reflected the broader impact of his Saudi experience, shaping not only his sport but also his humanity, as he lived in Dammam with Al-Ettifaq from 2021 onward, culminating in his conversion and performing Umrah, per coverage in Al-Riyadiyah.

From AIK to Al-Ettifaq: A Globe-Trotting Career

The Swedish player, born in Stockholm to a Ghanaian father and a Swedish mother, grew up in a multicultural environment that helped him embrace religious and social diversity encountered across Europe and the Middle East.

He began his career with AIK Stockholm, moved to Italy with Palermo, and then landed in Mainz 05, where he blossomed as a fast and intelligent forward, becoming a mainstay for Sweden in major tournaments like Euro 2020.

In Saudi Arabia, Kayson was surrounded by Muslim teammates from Africa and the Arab world, such as Naïm Seliti, Amin Younes, and Youssef Niakaté, which brought him closer to Islamic life before his final decision.

Close associates say daily contact with Saudi society, visible religious devotion, and simple acts of kindness were influential factors that deepened his understanding of Islam and reassured his conviction.

Coach Khaled Al-Attawi, who oversaw Kayson during part of his time with Al-Ettifaq, expressed joy at the news, noting that the seeds of his Islam were evident from early on.

Islam in Saudi Arabia: A Growing Narrative

Al-Attawi told Al-Riyadiyah that Kayson displayed a generous spirit—often distributing food baskets to those in need and sometimes allocating a portion of his earnings to support staff, reflecting a humane and communal mindset.

He added that Kayson had discussed Islam with him through his Ghanaian roots, but the Saudi experience brought him closer to Islamic values and the sense of family and community, especially during Ramadan and Eid.

Al-Attawi concluded by saying he congratulated Kayson on his conversion and Umrah, and hoped to celebrate him soon in Dammam with teammates and fans of Al-Ettifaq.

In July 2024, Al-Ettifaq officially confirmed Kayson’s departure after a three-year spell, following his omission from the squad in the second half of the 2023-2024 season.

The club published a farewell message on X: “Thank you, Kayson, and good luck in your future endeavors.”

The player had fallen out of favor with the manager in the latter half of 2023-2024, after scoring three goals that season and not being registered in January.

Despite attempts to sell him in January, the deal did not materialize, ending his Saudi chapter after 68 appearances, 16 goals, and three assists, leaving a lasting impression on and off the pitch.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign players’ faith journeys have become a renewed talking point; the country has seen similar acts that reflect the influence of religious life on international stars in the Kingdom.

Last February, Senegalese star Sadio Mané of Al-Nassr helped a man embrace Islam in a Saudi mosque, guiding him as he pronounced the shahada in a video that circulated widely online.

Ventures of Mané’s charity—such as building hospitals and schools in his home village of Bambali, Senegal—were highlighted as examples of his character and leadership.

Meanwhile, Al-Ettifaq faces tough times on the field, coming off a 5-0 defeat to Al-Hilal in round five of the Roshen Saudi League.

Fans hope the Eastern Province club will regain balance quickly against Al-Fateh on Friday in round six, aiming to bounce back and return to winning ways.

Al-Ettifaq currently sits eleventh in the Roshen Saudi League table with seven points, earned from two wins, one draw, and two losses.

Image capture: Robin Kayson’s Saudi chapter closed with a spiritual milestone, echoing a broader trend of faith and football intersecting in the Kingdom.