Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are among those who have left their mark on the pitch. From Ecuadorian goalkeepers to Brazilian strikers, from American pioneers to young prodigies, discover the stories of some of these players who combined faith and sport.
Ashley Hatch
Originally from Gilbert, Arizona, Ashley Hatch is one of the biggest names in American women's soccer today—and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A BYU graduate, she was the second overall pick in the 2017 NWSL Draft. Since then, she has built a historic career with the Washington Spirit, where she became the fifth player to score 40 goals for a single club in the league, alongside legends like Megan Rapinoe. In 2021, she was the NWSL's top scorer and a key player in the Washington Spirit's championship win. She has also served the community by founding the Boots from Pros program , which donates cleats from professional athletes to young players in vulnerable situations.
Olivia Moultrie
Born in Utah and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Olivia Moultrie is one of the most promising players in women's soccer worldwide. At 15, she sued the NWSL—and won—the right to sign a professional contract with the Portland Thorns, becoming the youngest player in the league's history. In 2022, she won the NWSL title with the Portland Thorns. In 2023, she was named the USA's Best Young Player . In 2025, at just 19 years old, she broke the record for most goals scored by a teenage girl in NWSL history.
Daniel Woolard
A native of Texas, Daniel began his professional soccer career in 2005. He played for teams such as the DFW Tornados, the Chicago Fire, the Carolina RailHawks, and DC United. He is one of the few members of the Church who has built a consistent career in American professional soccer.
Bruna Beatriz Benites Soares
Baptized in 2000, Bruna represented the Brazilian women's national team at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio Olympics . Her faith has always been a central part of her journey. At the London Olympics, she declared:
“I know that everything that has happened in my life, and especially the fact that I am here, was by God's will, and that if it weren't for the faith and talent He gave me, this would never have happened. I know that reading the scriptures puts us in tune with the Holy Spirit and that Heavenly Father truly hears our prayers. This is the testimony I leave in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
Erroll Bennett
Erroll was the starting goalkeeper for the Tahiti national team and played in the 1973 Oceania Cup . When he joined the Church in 1977, his career almost came to an end—the games were all on Sundays. Fortunately, the team decided to change the game days to accommodate the athletes' religious and family commitments. His son, Naea Bennett, also followed in his footsteps and became a professional player.
Guillermo Lucas Franco
Argentinean Guillermo joined the Church in 2002 as a young man, accompanying his mother. He played in the first division for Godoy Cruz , but put his sporting ambitions aside to serve a mission in Mendoza, Argentina. He returned to football in 2007 after completing his mission—and continued his career on the pitch.
Aleisha Cramer Rose
At 16, Aleisha became the third youngest player to represent the United States women's national team . In 2003, she made a decision few professional athletes would make: she opted out of the World Cup and the Olympics because she didn't want to play on Sundays. For her, keeping Sundays was more important than any title.
Jimmy Montanero
Retired Ecuadorian goalkeeper Jimmy won 17 titles throughout his professional career. He also played for the Ecuadorian national team between 1989 and 1993. He played for Barcelona SC for 20 years—one of the biggest clubs in Ecuadorian football—and was the team's captain for most of that time. He was so well-known for his faith that his teammates and fans affectionately called him "El Mormón" (The Mormon) .
Freddy Rincón
Freddy Rincón was baptized as a member of the Church in 2005 and always demonstrated a strong testimony of the gospel. The Colombian played for the national team between 1990 and 2001, accumulating 84 appearances —and in Brazil he left an unforgettable mark playing for Corinthians, Palmeiras, Cruzeiro, and Santos. On April 13, 2022, Freddy passed away at the age of 55 after suffering a serious traffic accident in Cali, Colombia. He is remembered both for his sporting legacy and for his faith.
Milton Queiroz da Paixão
Tita joined the Church at age 11, around the same time he began playing soccer. He represented Brazil and also spent time playing in Germany, scoring six goals for the Brazilian national team. Off the field, he served as first counselor in a bishopric in Rio de Janeiro.
Regarding his career, he said:
“Even with all the luxuries that society offers to a public figure, I never allowed myself to stray from my responsibilities to my Heavenly Father and the Church. In this way, I have been greatly blessed in my life as a football player.”
His mother, visibly moved, recounted how he always honored his tithe, regardless of the amount: "With each contract, with each prize, he would bring me an envelope and say, 'Mom, here's our tithe.'"
Jon Russell
Born in Hounslow, England, Jon Russell is one of the rare members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to play professional football in the UK. A product of Chelsea's academy, he played for Huddersfield Town and currently plays for Barnsley in EFL League One . He also represents the Jamaican national team. Regarding the role of his faith in sport, he told The Telegraph: “ Praying and reading scripture helped me calm down. It has been one of the most important parts of my life and today it functions as a ritual before games .”
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