How Ramadan could shape Zakaria Labyad’s routine at Corinthians | OneFootball

According to Meu Timao, Moroccan midfielder Zakaria Labyad is close to joining Corinthians, already training while paperwork to work in Brazil is finalised. With Ramadan beginning on Wednesday, attention turns to how fasting could shape his routine.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, runs until 20 March. Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking and sexual relations from dawn to sunset, and the month emphasises prayer, reflection, family and charity.

Fasting is encouraged yet not compulsory, particularly for professional athletes whose physical condition requires special care. Islamic teaching prioritises preservation of life, so individuals may choose whether to fast, and exemptions include chronic illness, pregnancy or menstruation.

Many players in Europe fast while competing. In recent seasons matches in the Premier League and Champions League have paused so players can eat at sunset, and will again this season. Clubs also tweak schedules, as Jürgen Klopp did at Liverpool in 2022, with medical staff adjusting nutrition.

In 2019 at Ajax, Labyad was among a trio, with Hakim Ziyech and Noussair Mazraoui, who observed the fast, after Erik ten Hag let them choose. His faith is public, including goal celebrations thanking Allah, and he confirmed it during a visit to Neo Química Arena.

At least one Corinthians fixture falls within fasting hours, the clássico against Santos on 15 March in the Brasileirão. Other daily activities may also coincide, and the report said the club had yet to respond on whether its medical team had discussed fasting with Labyad.

Source: Meu Timao