Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and fasting is a yearly tradition taken up by the Muslim community.
Many Premier League players also take part in the fast between dawn and sunset as a special way of showing their commitment to faith. It is thought to teach self-discipline and reminds them of the suffering of the poor.
Plenty of top-flight athletes do so, and as we have seen this season, with Premier League stars doing so in the name of their religion. So who is fasting for Ramadan and when does it end?
Which Premier League players are fasting during Ramadan?
Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana is just one of those players, with Brentford star Yoane Wissa breaking his fast during the Bees’ Premier League clash with Aston Villa earlier this month.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure and Aston Villa kingpin Amadou Onana are three other notable names who have all been outspoken about their fasting during the Ramadan period in the past.
“I always love Ramadan,” said Doucoure when speaking to BBC Sport back in 2023.
“Sometimes playing football has been hard because Ramadan has been in the summer and during pre-season.
“But I have always been lucky to practise Ramadan and there have never been problems with my physical condition – I am grateful for that.
“My religion is the most important thing in my life – I put my religion first, then comes my work. You can do both together and I am happy with that.”
When does Ramadan end for Muslims?
The end of Ramadan is marked by a big celebration called ‘Eid ul-Fitr’ (the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast). Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting, but thanking Allah for the strength he gave them throughout the month.
This year’s Ramadan began on Friday 28 February and will end on Sunday 30 March.
