Sport Health Country 2026-02-11T16:27:06+00:00

Galtier on Ramadan: The Fasting and Football Debate

French coach Christophe Galtier of Saudi club Al-Ittihad revisits the debate on fasting during Ramadan's impact on football training. He stresses the need for a personalized approach, adapting workouts while respecting religious traditions yet remaining pragmatic in sports preparation.


Galtier on Ramadan: The Fasting and Football Debate

French coach Christophe Galtier, who manages the Saudi club Al-Ittihad, has revisited the long-standing debate surrounding the month of Ramadan. In a recent interview, he shared his thoughts on how fasting affects the athletic preparation of football players. Galtier noted that modern football has many differing opinions on this issue. According to him, it is crucial to consider the individual characteristics of each player. He emphasized that the approach to training during Ramadan must be carefully planned. The coach had previously spoken on this topic, sparking discussions in sports circles. Galtier believes that the coaching staff must adapt the workload to the conditions of the holy month. His position is that the health and well-being of athletes should come first. The French specialist also added that many players prefer not to fast on match days. He gave examples of how some clubs change their training schedules during Ramadan. Galtier expressed respect for religious traditions but remained pragmatic in matters of preparation. His comments once again sparked discussion about the balance between faith and professional sports. In conclusion, the coach called for dialogue to find optimal solutions for all parties.