Tottenham defender Djed Spence made history on September 9, 2025, by becoming the first Muslim to earn a senior cap for the England men’s national team. He replaced Chelsea’s Reece James in the 69th minute of England’s 5–0 World Cup qualifying victory in Serbia, marking the culmination of a career defined by perseverance and determination. For Spence, 25, the milestone was a “blessing.” “I was surprised because I didn’t know I was the first,” he said. “It’s good to make history and hopefully inspire young kids around the world that they can make it as well.”
00:00Spurs defender Jed Spence made history on September 9th by becoming the first Muslim to earn a senior cap for the England men's national team.
00:11He replaced Chelsea's Rhys James in the 69th minutes of England's 5-0 World Cup qualifying victory in Serbia, marking the culmination of a career defined by perseverance and determination.
00:23For Spence, the milestone was a blessing. I was surprised because I didn't know I was the first, he said.
00:31It's good to make history and hopefully inspire young kids around the world that they can make it as well.
00:38Spence's debut is particularly significant for British Muslims, who make up roughly 6% of the population, but remain underrepresented in professional football.
00:49Ideman Rahman, founder of Nujum Sports, which supports more than 400 Muslim athletes, described Spence as a role model.
00:57Spence began his professional journey at Middlesbrough before joining Tottenham in 2022.
01:03Early years in London were challenging, including three loan spells at Stavrens, Leeds United and Genoa.
01:10Yet he has established himself as an important member of Spurs' first team, contributing to their Europa League final triumph last season.
01:21His elevation to England's senior squad is both a personal breakthrough and a broader cultural moment.
01:28The significance of his debut was underscored in the dressing room, where Captain Harry Kane presented Spence with his legacy cap in an emotional ceremony,
01:38celebrating both his achievement and the door it opens for others.
01:44Spence's story highlights the power of persistence, faith and representation, offering inspiration to young players everywhere.
01:53From the fringes of club football to the international stage, Jed Spence has not only earned his place on the pitch,
02:00but has also set a landmark for British Muslims in football.
02:03His journey serves as a reminder that barriers can be broken and that new role models can emerge from determination, talent and belief.
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