How Footballer Jota Dumped Christianity to Become Muslim After Friend Introduced Islam
- Jose Ignacio “Jota” Peleteiro dumped Christianity and converted to Islam in 2024 after he was inspired by the compassionate values of his Kuwaiti friend
- His 11-year friendship with a fitness trainer led him to embrace Islamic teachings organically, without direct invitation
- Jota played for several clubs, including Celta de Vigo, Brentford, Birmingham City, Aston Villa, and Deportivo Alaves
Former Real Madrid footballer Jose Ignacio Peleteiro, also known as 'Jota', was inspired by his close friend before dumping Christianity for Islam.
Jota and Kuwaiti fitness trainer Faisal Buresli were close pals, and somehow his lifestyle was gradually influenced.
The 34-year-old Spaniard disclosed that he chose to switch religion by the compassionate and respectful way the Buresli family treated others, which drew his attention to Islamic teachings.
Source: Getty Images
Jota's friendship with Buresli has spanned more than a decade, and he naturally chose Islam, not that he was convinced to do so.
Kuwaiti daily Al Qabas shared a clip of the star. He said:
“I am so happy, so powerful. I am in the best moments of my life. I love his family [Buresli's family] so much.”
"I want to pass on to my family and future generations the customs and traditions I saw at my friend Buresli’s house. They have changed my life."
For his part, Buresli said that Jota decided to visit Kuwait in 2023 to familiarise himself with Kuwaiti society. Buresli stated:
“Then, two months ago, he spoke with me and informed me of his desire to convert. I did not expect that from him, so I was astonished.”
Peleteiro, known as 'Jota', began his football journey at Celta de Vigo’s academy in 2010, followed by a loan spell at Real Madrid’s academy in 2012-13 and a stint with SD Eibar in 2013-14.
He gained valuable experience in England, playing for Brentford FC from 2014 to 2017, Birmingham City from 2017 to 2019, and Aston Villa in 2019-20, per Morocco World News.
His last played for Deportivo Alaves in 2021, and was on the verge of moving to a Saudi Arabian club in October 2022, when he chose to retire.
Source: Getty Images
Nouhaila Benzina speaks on her hijab
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Falcons defender Nouhaila Benzina has continued to make headlines not only for her performance but also for her religious impact.
Although the Atlas Lionesses fell short, Benzina’s resilience and visibility as a hijabi player left a lasting impression, especially after her pivotal role at the Women's World Cup in 2023.
Her journey has continued to transcend football, as she continues to break barriers for hijabi athletes.
Eric Chelle speaks on religion
Legit.ng earlier reported Eric Chelle explained how he became a devout Muslim despite coming from a Christian background.
"I am affiliated with a double culture. My father is a Catholic and two of my younger siblings are also Catholic. My mother is a Muslim, so I decided to follow the religion of my mother, including my elder sister."
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
