From Egypt to the AFL: Faith, Footy & Breaking Barriers with Ahmed Saad I Out of Interest #64

Out of Interest Podcast

In this powerful episode, we sit down with former AFL player Ahmed Saad, a trailblazer and one of only a handful of Muslim athletes to make it to the elite level of Australian Rules Football.

Born in Australia but raised in Egypt for six years, Ahmed opens up about his humble beginnings, his first love of soccer, and how fate (and a friend’s invitation) led him to try Aussie Rules — a sport he knew nothing about. From not knowing how to kick a footy at 16, to becoming the first Egyptian and second practising Muslim ever drafted into the AFL, Ahmed’s story is one of grit, faith, and identity.

We dive deep into the intersection of Islam and professional sport, as Ahmed shares the incredible impact Bachar Houli has had on the AFL community — from advocating for prayer rooms in stadiums to pioneering the Bachar Houli Foundation, which continues to inspire the next generation of young Muslim footballers. Ahmed reflects on how Bachar’s courage made it easier for others like him to enter the game with confidence.

Ahmed shares emotional insights into what it felt like walking into an AFL club as a practising Muslim — and the surprising openness and support he received from his team. He reveals the conversations he had with the club, the moment they asked “What do we need to know to support you as a Muslim?”, and what it was like to stand in front of the team and speak about his faith and culture.

We explore a rarely-discussed topic: fasting during Ramadan as an athlete. Ahmed candidly shares why he didn’t fast during his AFL career, the toll it can take on the body, and how he’s since chosen to fast while playing at local levels — giving listeners a raw and real view into the physical and spiritual balancing act that Muslim athletes face.

Other highlights from the episode:

• Growing up in Egypt and the culture shock of returning to Australia
• Soccer vs AFL: Which sport is tougher?
• The huge gap in money and exposure between AFL and global sports
• The importance of mentorship, and the role Grant Thomas played in keeping Ahmed grounded
• The life-changing impact of the Bachar Houli Foundation — including a recent leadership and training camp in the UAE that’s shaping the future of young Muslim athletes

Whether you're a fan of the game, a member of the Muslim community, or someone navigating identity in sport — this episode is raw, inspiring, and deeply meaningful.