First World Cup goalscorer
Felix Nmecha: Why his faith causes criticism
June 15, 2026 – 12:23 p.mReading time: 3 minutes
He will go down in history as the first German goalscorer at the 2026 World Cup. But the name Felix Nmecha will probably always be linked to his faith.
The professional footballer also positioned himself on Instagram. He published a series of pictures of himself. All photos were taken during the game against Curaçao. He wrote: “Thank you, Jesus.” Nmecha has often spoken about his strong faith. As part of the “Football with Vision” project, launched against the backdrop of the 2024 European Championship, he said: “I am a Christian who plays football.”
He sees his work as a kicker as a service to God; Jesus is at the center of his life. “Football will never give you the fulfillment you hope for. Realizing that only Jesus can fulfill me has helped me so much,” he said. And further: “I have realized that my life can be stable when my joy and peace are in HIM.” That doesn’t mean that he no longer has any difficulties in life, but the way he deals with them is different because he can always trust in God. A life with Jesus gives him “so much peace, joy and truth.”
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Nmecha’s attitude also caused a lot of criticism because his truth also included controversial values in the past, which he announced on social media platforms, for example. After the death of MAGA activist Charlie Kirk, he wrote on Instagram: “Rest in peace with God. Such a sad day.” The article was then revised. It then read: “May the Lord assist the Kirk family with special grace at this time. Jesus is the true path to peace and love.” Charlie Kirk was considered an ultra-right activist; you can read more about his political positions here.