Lalas Abubakar Observes Ramadan With Help and Support Like Never Before

This past Thursday, April 20 was the final day of Ramadan. That morning, Colorado Rapids center back Lalas Abubakar woke up before you did to start eating a series of meals prepared by a club nutritionist. He would stop eating just after 6 AM and would not eat or drink anything for over 14 hours. With empathetic help from the league, the club, and his teammates, Abubakar has celebrated Ramadan and maintained his form on the pitch. What’s more, he’s been able to educate those in his life about Islam.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. Major League Soccer implemented a rule this year allowing for a drinks break at the first natural stoppage in play the minute after sunset. Previously, Muslim players had to wait for halftime to hydrate or eat during Ramadan.

Colorado’s first match during Ramadan was on the road at Sporting KC, their first win of the year. Just after the 10th minute, the referee called for a stoppage, allowing Abubakar to come to the bench to get a bite and a swig of fluids. Abubakar would go on to play well as the Burgundy Boys held out for a 1-0 victory.

“On Saturday, I did not fast. But the referee told me anyways he would give me a break because I fast throughout the week. But two days out from the game I try to get ready. I lose a lot of fluid in my body. Friday and Saturday, I try not to fast. Also, you are on the road so you are excused. It was good,” Abubakar told Burgundy Wave.

There are several exceptions for fasting during Ramandan, one of which is if you are traveling. Abubakar started both games so far during Ramadan and is expected to start this evening’s match against St. Louis CITY, their only home game during the holy period. In a way, Abubakar has lucked with the schedule.

What a Lalas Abubakar Ramadan day looks like:

These last few weeks, the 28-year-old starts his day early. A 3:00 AM alarm clock gets him up so he can eat slowly for an hour or more, be done by sunrise, and ready to train at altitude.

“I have to wake up at 3 or 3:30 to start eating to make sure I’m done by 5:10. Once I break (my fast), I try to eat rice and soup. Lots of fluids. I’m not supposed to be eating heavy foods, because my stomach shrinks because of the fast,” said Abubakar.

The club has employed a nutritionist who has helped Abubakar navigate Ramadan. This is the best he’s done since joining MLS. Eating the right type of food, in the right amount, and at the right times has been key.

“Last year, I struggled a lot because I didn’t know the type of food to eat. But this year, the team has done a great job bringing someone in. She gives me a lot of fluids.”

His breakfast consists of oatmeal, nuts, milk, and three eggs. From there, he drinks a smoothie, hydrating until sunrise. In the evening, he breaks his fast with rice, soup, a protein shake, and maybe a sandwich. Before bed, it’s a smoothie or other fluid.

“I fast, even though it’s hard, I got the right stuff in me and I can compete at the highest level. The next two days, I’m going to eat what the nutritionist prepares for me. Two days before the game, I eat the right stuff, I feel good.”

Education leads to understanding and support:

When he first entered the league, very few coaches or players knew about Ramadan. He would observe Ramadan, but not tell anyone.

“When I started in the league, it was hard for me to do. Especially during my time in Columbus,” he said, adding “Last year, I struggled a lot. Some games, I might not fast on Saturday or Friday, but I was struggling during games. Mainly because of the stuff I was eating. Nobody was telling me what to eat.”

Coaches or teammates would wonder why he’d perform worse in training or during games. They did not have the full context, to say nothing of the fact that he wasn’t getting the support he needed.

“A lot of people don’t understand what Ramadan is. Even my teammates are asking me. They are seeing it. Before nobody even heard of it. No one would know unless I tell people about it and then tell them I’m fasting.”

At the club level, proper support is being given to players with dietary restrictions, regardless of where those restrictions come from. Nutrition plans across MLS and in the lower divisions are accommodating to vegans, those with allergies, etc.

“I can’t imagine what that’s like to be fasting and training and playing in professional level games. There are very humane concessions being made for them, I think it’s fantastic. I look at this league and some of the advances we’re making, I’m really proud of it. The league is evolving, which is great,” Head Coach Robin Fraser said when asked about MLS’s Ranadan drinks break rule.

MLS and its clubs are now helping Muslim players to perform at a high level in accordance with their faith. It’s inclusive, pro-player, and makes for higher quality soccer.

Spreading awareness to “show people that Islam is peace:”

Islamophobia still exists in America. Burgundy Wave is aware of at least one former MLS player who chose to leave the league and country because of it. MLS and its community are increasingly welcoming and inclusive. The league’s rules and the support Abubakar and other players have gotten reflects that.

He and others see this as an opportunity.

“What the league is doing as well, is incredible. It’s going to show people that Islam is peace. Ramadan is a sacred fast that we do. It is a sacred month that we devote to worship the lord. The league giving us this platform to observe Ramadan is huge.”

Clubs are now aware of Ramadan and committing resources to help their Muslim players succeed. The league is now following suit. Teammates are asking questions and getting educated. Hopefully fans are as well. I’ve googled Ramadan more time this month than I had prior.

“Now they understand. We are grateful,” Abubakar said at the end of his interview with Burgundy Wave, off to use his positive vibes and spiritual strength to power through a post-training workout, regardless of the dehydration.

Ramadan Mubarak, Lalas. Allahu Akbar.