Australian national football team forward Tate Yangi has formally embraced Islam, drawing wide attention across the sports and Muslim communities. The 25-year-old player converted to Islam at a mosque in his hometown of Adelaide after Friday prayers, just before being named in Australia’s final World Cup squad. Islamic scholar Mufti Menk was present during the ceremony, where Yangi recited the Shahada to declare his faith.

In an interview afterward, Yangi said his decision to accept Islam was not spontaneous but the result of a long period of learning and reflection. During his meeting with Mufti Menk, he was asked whether he had recited the Shahada before. Upon replying no, he was invited to do so and accepted immediately. Yangi expressed pride in his new faith and said he hopes to represent the beauty and true teachings of Islam through honesty and humanity both on and off the field.

Yangi recently scored on his debut against Switzerland in a pre-World Cup friendly, strengthening his position in the national team.