By ISAAN KHAN, REPORTER
Published: 07:00 EST, 5 December 2025 | Updated: 07:04 EST, 5 December 2025
Arsenal winger Noni Madueke says he and nine of his team-mates pray together and go through bible scripture before matches - and that it's giving them a ‘massive boost’ on the pitch.
Daily Mail Sport reported earlier this week how the Premier League’s ‘Bible Boys’ - the term used by fans on social media to describe the Arsenal squad - are openly voicing their faith as they ride divine inspiration to the top of the Premier League and Champions League.
That includes a group of their Christian players meeting to pray either in an onsite dedicated prayer room - opened last December by former Gunners midfielder Mohamed Elneny, a devout Muslim - or in a quiet room near the changing room.
Full back Jurrien Timber is among the most open about his faith, regularly posting Bible verses on X on the morning of the north London club's matches.
And Madueke is just as passionate.
He said: ‘It’s fantastic that we have a squad that is not ashamed of that (practising religion). We believe it gives us such a massive boost when we go on to the pitch, that we’re not alone.
Arsenal wingers Noni Madueke (left) and Gabriel Martinelli have a quiet moment of reflection before the game against Brentford on Wednesday
Madueke has been in fine form for Arsenal as they charge ahead at the top of the Premier League table
'It’s fantastic that we have a squad that is not ashamed of that (practising religion),' says Madueke. 'It gives us such a massive boost on the pitch'
At Arsenal, religion isn’t hidden away - with players like Eberechi Eze free to practise their faith with their team-mates
‘On the pitch we have got each other but we believe we have God fighting for us as well, so I feel like it’s fantastic. It just brings us closer together.
’Before every game we pray together for a few minutes and then also at the hotel, for a few minutes, studying the bible and just praying.
'Not even just always praying, just seeing if we’re all good, checking on each other, stuff like that. It’s top.’
Of Arsenal's 25-man squad, many observe a religion. Christianity is the most common, with at least 10 players identifying with the faith.
Sources say that it’s been embraced by Mikel Arteta and his staff, who have seen the impact it has had on togetherness among a team that looks to be the strongest Arsenal side in decades.
When asked about picking scripture, Madueke said: ‘There’s probably like 10 of us, so a few of us contribute.
‘Maybe a scripture, we talk about it, read about it, see what everyone is going through, how we can help, pray for each other, stuff like that, so it’s really good.’
Many of Arsenal's Christian players hail from South America - Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera. They are joined by Timber, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Madueke and Martin Odegaard.
The Premier League’s ‘Bible Boys’, led by 'Pastor' Jurrien Timber
Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie is one of a cohort of Christians at Arsenal who hail from South America
It's the closest Madueke has felt to his religion at a football club.
’I had it when I was at PSV and a little bit at Chelsea,’ he added.
‘At Chelsea we used to pray a little bit in the huddle before the games, but this is definitely the closest I’ve felt in terms of God and our team, so it’s a real blessing.’
Timber feels similarly. ‘It brings unity and understanding,' he explained recently. 'Because you can live the same life and it’s not always easy. Those conversations are good, and I think it’s an amazing thing to have in our team.’