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Sonny Bill Williams ditches the All Blacks to watch his ‘Muslim brothers’ Morocco play in the World Cup in Qatar – but gets his fans offside
Cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams has showcased his support for Morocco at the World Cup in Qatar – but managed to rub some of his fans on social media the wrong way by referring to the world game as ‘soccer.’
Williams, 37, is a devout Muslim, having converted to Islam in 2009 – and wanted to support his ‘brothers’ in the Middle East, who were beaten 2-0 by France in a brave display on Thursday morning (AEDT).
The former heavyweight boxer took his family to the Gulf nation to cheer on the surprise semi-finalists from Africa – and was raving about the experience.
‘Such a special atmosphere tonight, are all soccer games like this ?’ he asked former Manchester United and Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Bosnich on Twitter.
It didn’t take long for many of his 924,000-plus followers to bite, with plenty quick to correct Williams and point out he was watching football.
Cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams showcased his support for Morocco at the World Cup in Qatar
Williams flew to Qatar with his wife and four children to watch Morocco do battle with France at the World Cup
Soccer is a term used mainly in Australia and the US – and irks many who follow the code closely, given it is known as football globally.
Williams later posted further images from the Al-Bayt Stadium, where he praised the fighting spirit of Morocco before stating he can see why Les Bleus talismanĀ Kylian MbappĆ© is a match-winner.
‘Grateful to have been able 2 travel around the world to watch the Moroccan brothers play, mashallah [what god has willed] that was a special atmosphere. Congratulations to the French team – too good tonight in Doha,’ he wrote.Ā
Born in New Zealand, Williams moved to Australia as a teenager after he was scouted by the Canterbury Bulldogs.
He made his NRL debut in 2004 and the hype was real, with ‘SBW’ winning a premiership the same year at Belmore alongside the likes of Braith Anasta and Willie Mason.
Four years later, Williams stunned rugby league supporters by walking away from the code, turning out for Toulon in French rugby.
Sonny Bill Williams made his NRL debut in 2004 with the Bulldogs – and won a second premiership when on the books of the Roosters nine years later (pictured)
Williams was also a success in rugby, winning two World Cups with the All Blacks in 2011 and 2015
He then represented the All Blacks, winning two World Cups in 2011 and 2015 – as well as NRL premiership with the Roosters in 2013 and he went back and forth between both footy codes.
In the ring Williams was equally dynamic, winning nine career bouts and suffering just one defeat – last month against Mark Hunt, a former MMA and wrestling star.Ā
It is unknown if Williams plans to box again – and has stated his immediate focus is spending more time with his family.Ā
He has four children –Ā daughters Iman and Aisha and sons Zaid and Essa – with wifeĀ Alana Raffie, a former South African model.
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