FIFA World Cup: Australian Player Thiti Yenki Reverts to Islam

Australian national football team forward Thiti Yenki has announced his conversion to Islam, making the declaration just days before his team’s crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match against Egypt. The news quickly drew widespread attention on social media.
In a statement shared via Instagram through “Qalby Studios,” Yenki said his journey toward Islam began out of curiosity when he visited a mosque in Adelaide to observe the atmosphere and watch Muslims praying up close. He described the visit as a turning point in his intellectual and spiritual life.
He recounted that at the mosque he met renowned Islamic scholar Mufti Ismail Menk, originally from Zimbabwe, who was delivering the Friday sermon there. During their conversation, Mufti Menk asked him whether he had recited the declaration of faith (Shahada). When he replied that he had not, Mufti Menk invited him to do so, and he embraced Islam right there in the mosque.
Yenki emphasized that his decision was not the result of a passing emotion but a firm, personal choice made after prolonged research, study, and reflection.
The 26-year-old was born in Adelaide, Australia, in 2000. His family originally hails from South Sudan before settling in Australia. Known for his physical ability and technical skill, he is regarded as one of the standout forwards on Australia’s national team and currently plays for Japanese club Machida Zelvia, runners-up in last season’s AFC Champions League Elite.
Australia’s national team faced Egypt on Friday evening in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 and suffered a defeat.