A Glorious Goal—and a Global Witness
In what should’ve been a night of celebration for Premier League champions Liverpool, Dutch striker Cody Gakpo delivered not only a stunning third goal in a 5–1 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur—but a bold statement of faith that rippled far beyond the pitch.
Peeling back his jersey in a moment of triumph, Gakpo revealed an undershirt emblazoned with the words “I belong to Jesus.” For millions watching worldwide, it was a message of unshakable belief. But for the Football Association (FA)—it was grounds for punishment.
Faith Under Fire
According to The Telegraph, Liverpool now faces reprimand from the FA, citing Law 4 of the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) regulations, which bans players from revealing undergarments bearing religious, political, or personal slogans. While the law is supposedly neutral, its enforcement is anything but.
Earlier this season, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, a devout Christian, was harassed by the FA for writing “I love Jesus” and “Jesus loves you” on a mandatory rainbow armband. In stark contrast, Ipswich Town’s Muslim captain Sam Morsy refused to wear the armband altogether—and was never contacted by the FA.
The message is clear: Christian expressions of faith are not welcome on UK football pitches.
Hypocrisy in Plain Sight
This isn’t the first time the words “I belong to Jesus” have shaken elite football. In 2007, Brazilian legend Kaká unveiled the same message after leading AC Milan to Champions League glory. That moment is still revered by Christian fans as a high point in sports history—a player unashamed of his faith, even on the world’s biggest stage.
But in today’s FA? That same message is now grounds for discipline.
The Broader Battle: Cultural Bias in Sports
While the FA hides behind vague “regulations,” the selective enforcement tells the real story: Christianity is being systematically suppressed in UK football, while other religious or political statements are ignored or embraced.
This double standard doesn’t just target players—it sends a chilling message to millions of fans of faith: You can celebrate anything… except Christ.
A Moment That Transcends Sport
Regardless of what action the FA takes, Cody Gakpo’s message reached the world. It echoed beyond stadium walls and shook the echo chambers of secular Europe. In a culture increasingly hostile to truth and conviction, Gakpo dared to glorify God on the world stage.
And that—more than the Premier League title—is a victory that cannot be taken away.
“I belong to Jesus.” Four words. Eternal impact.
