Can a Muslim cheer for a Kafiri soccer club?
Can a Muslim cheer for clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona that have crosses on their emblem? And is it allowed to wear the jerseys of these teams? Does it come down to kufr?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Dear son,
May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala bless you abundant good and increase in His love for you.
Dear son, cheering for any team is fine as long as a few conditions are observed;
1: Their love do not engulf imaan.
2: it should not distract from obligatory duties
3: or become a source of Haraam.
Mostly these conditions are not met. The commands of Allah ﷻ and His blessed Prophet ﷺ are neglected. Time, energy and money is wasted. Vulgarity and profanity are advocated.
Instead, a Muslim is advised to play rather than watch and cheer others. Physical activities nourish body mind and soul.
2: it is not permissible for Muslims to wear any clothing etc that has a cross or religious symbols of other faiths on them.
If the religious symbol is too small and not distinguishable or the symbol has lost its religious connotations then it might be worn.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best