Soccer saints: Examples of faith on and off the field

For many people, soccer is much more than a sport: It’s a space for friendship, teamwork, effort, and passion. What few people know is that several saints and probable future saints also enjoyed chasing a ball. From pontiffs to young saints, they didn’t consider sports just a hobby. Instead, they saw soccer as a school of virtue where they could learn discipline, fellowship, and perseverance.

Before talking about the saints, it’s worth remembering that the Church has traditionally valued sports when they help foster a person's integral development. Pope Leo XIV shared this message during his recent trip to Barcelona at the Church of St. Augustine in the Raval neighborhood: “Soccer also helps us remember something very important: life is not a race to live in isolation; it is a team sport, and we have to learn to work together.”

Precisely because of these values, several saints found an activity in soccer that helped them grow in virtue.

Here are some saints who found a way to grow both humanly and spiritually through soccer. They’re great examples to remember during this 2026 World Cup season and in the future.

This young saint didn’t just see the Eucharist as his highway to heaven. He also lived out his spirituality through sports! He loved playing soccer with his friends. Although his mother laughingly admitted he wasn’t very good at it, he used the sport to connect with his peers and bring them closer to the faith.

This joyful saint heavily promoted sports among children and youth. He frequently got involved in their soccer games himself! To this day, Salesian soccer teams continue to thrive. He believed that a courtyard full of young people playing was a prime opportunity to form their hearts and bring them closer to Christ.

In his youth, the Polish pontiff had been a goalkeeper for his local soccer team. He was extremely passionate about the sport and consistently motivated others to play. He saw sports as an effective instrument for shaping a person's character through human virtues.

This South African martyr formed a soccer team he called the Mbahe Freedom Rebels. It was actually his second team; he left his first team, the Mbahe Eleven Computers, after the players started turning to witchcraft to win. As a school principal, Blessed Benedict encouraged his students to build discipline through sports. He created the new team to promote true friendship and upstanding values.

Although this saint didn’t play professionally, he was deeply passionate about sports and educating youth. He always said that games were a perfect way to keep young people off the streets, foster teamwork, and promote social inclusion. He loved seeing patios full of young people playing and building their character while actively and authentically drawing closer to Jesus.

This young Italian saint was passionate about outdoor activities, from hiking to playing soccer with friends. He’s well known for his famous motto, “Verso l'alto” (“towards the heights”). He enthusiastically lifted his spirit to God and motivated the friends who accompanied him on his adventures. Through soccer, he strengthened his bonds of friendship.

As you can see, soccer isn’t just an entertaining game. It can be a powerful tool that unites us and teaches us how to exercise our souls together as a team.