Sweden’s World Cup Hero Performed Muslim Prayer After His Goal

Sweden got off to a dream start at the World Cup in North America. Tunisia was defeated 5–1 after a convincing performance in which the Swedish men’s national team put on high-paced attacking football and created scoring chances left and right. Perhaps the most beautiful moment of the match was delivered by Yasin Ayari – and he doesn’t play for Tunisia, but for Sweden – as he struck an incredible goal against the nation where his roots lie. There was no celebration, however – instead, the midfielder dropped down for a Muslim prayer.

Yasin Ayari, who regularly plays for Brighton in the English Premier League, was thrust into the spotlight when Sweden made a dream start at the World Cup in North America. The midfielder struck down Tunisia with two spectacular goals in Sweden’s 5-1 thrashing of the country that had, just a few years earlier, hoped to convince him to change national team allegiance.

When Sweden kicked off the group stage of the tournament, which this year is being held in Mexico, USA, and Canada, a strong start was crucial. With the Netherlands and Japan still to play, three points gave the Blue and Yellow a strong starting position in the fight to advance.

It didn’t take long for Sweden to take control. After just seven minutes, Arsenal player Viktor Gyökeres caused chaos in the Tunisian defence. After his shot was blocked, the ball landed perfectly for Ayari, who smashed in the opening goal with a powerful volley.

The 22-year-old did not celebrate the goal. Instead, he raised his hands and made a calm gesture towards the sky before his teammates gathered around him.

Ayari’s connection to Tunisia is strong. His father is Tunisian, and before the 2022 World Cup, the North African country tried to persuade him to play for their national team. However, the midfielder chose Sweden and has since established himself as part of Sweden’s future.

See the goal and the prayer here: