In the realm of cricket, Faf du Plessis stands out as a prominent actor, recognized for his outstanding batting prowess, astute cricketing intellect, and impactful leadership as the captain of South Africa’s national team. Beyond his sporting achievements, many fans are curious about the man himself — especially about his personal life and beliefs. One frequently asked question is about his religion: Is Faf du Plessis Muslim or Christian? His journey, both on and off the field, is a testament to dedication, faith, and resilience, captivating millions worldwide.
In this comprehensive article, we explore his faith in detail, along with an extensive biography covering his early life, career milestones, family, and his current status in 2025. Whether you’re a cricket fan or simply interested in the personalities behind the sport, this guide will give you the full picture.
Quick Facts Summary
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Francois du Plessis |
| Date of Birth | July 13, 1984 |
| Place of Birth | Pretoria, South Africa |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Batting Style | Right-handed middle-order batsman |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm leg spin (occasional) |
| Test Matches | 69 |
| Test Runs | 4,163 |
| Batting Average | 40.02 |
| Highest Test Score | 199* (vs Sri Lanka, 2021) [Source: ESPNcricinfo] |
| IPL Teams | Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore (Captain) |
| Retirement from Tests | 2021 (from all international cricket in 2021, though last Test played in 2019) |
| Wife | Imari Visser (married 2013) |
| Children | Amelie (2017), Zoey (2019), Johan (2020) |
| Notable Achievement | First international captain to whitewash Australia 5-0 in ODI (2016) |
Early Life and Education
Francois “Faf” du Plessis was born on July 13, 1984, in Pretoria, South Africa. Raised in a country rich with diverse cultures and religions, Faf grew up in a supportive family environment that nurtured both his academic and athletic interests.
He attended Hoërskool Waterkloof, a school renowned for its emphasis on sports and academics, where he showed early promise in cricket. It was here that he honed the foundational skills that would later propel him to international stardom. After completing his schooling, he enrolled at the University of Stellenbosch, one of South Africa’s top universities, which also has a strong cricket tradition.
During his university years, du Plessis balanced his studies with representing his local teams in domestic cricket competitions. His technical skills and leadership qualities began to draw attention from cricketing circles around the country.
Cricketing Journey: From Domestic Star to International Icon
Faf du Plessis’ cricketing career began in earnest in the mid-2000s. He debuted in domestic cricket for the Northerns team in 2005 and later moved to play for the Warriors, one of South Africa’s franchise teams.
His consistent performances with the bat — especially his solid defense and ability to anchor innings — earned him a spot in the national squad. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut against India in 2011, scoring a crucial 60 runs on debut, and his Test debut later that year.
Over the next decade, du Plessis became a mainstay in the South African batting lineup across all formats:
- Test Matches: 69 appearances, scoring 4,163 runs with an average of 40.02. His highest Test score was 199* against Sri Lanka in 2021, just shy of a double century.
- ODIs: Over 160 matches with more than 5,200 runs at an average near 42. In ODIs, he has accumulated 12 centuries, including a personal best of 185 runs, achieved against Sri Lanka in 2017, which stands among the top individual scores by any South African cricketer. ESPNcricinfo Statsguru
- T20 Internationals: Represented South Africa in over 50 games, including a memorable century (119 runs) against West Indies in 2015, making him the only South African to score centuries in all three formats of the game.
His aggressive yet calculated batting style earned him accolades, and he captained the national team from 2016 to 2020. His leadership was marked by resilience, tactical awareness, and leading by example under pressure.
Faf du Plessis Religion: Muslim or Christian?
Among cricket fans worldwide, curiosity about du Plessis’ religion is common. Online queries like “Is Faf du Plessis Muslim?” or “What is Faf du Plessis’ religion?” frequently pop up.
The Truth: Faf du Plessis Is a Christian
Faf du Plessis is a devout Christian. Throughout his career, he has been open about his faith and the role it plays in his life. From interviews to social media posts, his Christian beliefs are evident.
For example, he has shared Bible verses and inspirational messages on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. He once publicly stated, “My faith is the bedrock of my life. It gives me strength in tough times and keeps me grounded in success.” In interviews, du Plessis has credited prayer and his faith in God for providing strength and guidance, especially during difficult times such as injuries, tough matches, and captaincy pressures.
This faith is not just personal but also reflects in his humility, discipline, and sportsmanship — traits often highlighted by teammates and commentators alike.
Dispelling Myths About Him Being Muslim
There is no credible evidence or public statement suggesting that Faf du Plessis practices Islam. Any rumors regarding him being Muslim are based on misinformation or assumptions without factual backing. These rumors often arise due to South Africa’s diverse religious landscape and the global popularity of the sport, leading to misidentification. Du Plessis himself has consistently identified as Christian.
Personal Life: Family and Relationships
Faf du Plessis is well-known for maintaining a strong and private family life away from the media glare.
His personal life saw a major turnaround in 2013 when he married Imari Visser, a South African model and entrepreneur. The couple opted for a private wedding, celebrated intimately with close friends and family. The couple has three children: daughters Amelie (born in 2017) and Zoey (born in 2019), and a son, Johan (born in 2020). Faf du Plessis’s official Instagram account
In interviews, he has emphasized how his family keeps him grounded and motivated, especially given the demanding nature of professional cricket, which involves long tours and time away from home.
Physical Profile and Playing Style
As of 2025, Faf du Plessis is 40 years old, but his fitness levels remain admirable.
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
- Weight: Around 75 kg (165 lbs)
He consistently showcases graceful batting and a keen understanding of the game’s tactics. Unlike many aggressive batsmen, he is patient and adaptable, able to anchor innings or accelerate scoring depending on the team’s needs. His running between wickets and fielding skills have also been notable throughout his career.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Throughout his cricketing journey, Faf du Plessis has accumulated numerous notable achievements:
- Test Captaincy: Led South Africa in 46 Test matches, securing memorable wins against top cricketing nations like India, Australia, and England, including a historic 2-1 away series win against Australia in 2016.
- ODI Captaincy: Led South Africa in 50+ ODI matches with a positive win percentage. He holds the unique distinction of being the first international captain to whitewash Australia 5-0 in an ODI series in 2016.
- IPL Stardom: Starred as a key batsman and part-time captain for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League, helping them clinch multiple titles, notably in 2018 and 2021, where he was a top performer. He also captained Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in later editions.
- Awards: Named ICC ODI Player of the Year in 2013; multiple Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards across formats.
His calmness under pressure and ability to perform consistently against world-class bowlers have made him a reliable figure in South African cricket history.
Post-International Career and Current Activities (2023-2025)
Faf du Plessis concluded his international cricket career in 2021, though his final appearance in a Test match was in 2019. He cited the need to focus on his family and prolong his career in T20 franchise leagues, which often demand less time away from home. He continues to participate in the IPL and other global leagues, performing impressively despite moving into his late 30s and early 40s.
Additionally, du Plessis is involved in coaching and mentoring young cricketers in South Africa. He supports grassroots cricket initiatives and works with cricket academies to nurture talent from underprivileged backgrounds. He has also taken up commentary and analysis roles, sharing his insights during international tournaments.
Faf du Plessis’ Influence Beyond Cricket
Beyond the cricket field, du Plessis is respected for his humility, leadership, and positive influence on younger players. He is known for:
- Mentorship: Guiding new players on technical skills and professional conduct.
- Philanthropy: Supporting charities focused on education and sports development in South Africa.
- Faith-Based Outreach: Occasionally participating in faith-related events and speaking about the importance of spirituality in sports.
His holistic approach to life — balancing sport, faith, and family — makes him a role model for many.
FAQs About Faf du Plessis
Q1: Is Faf du Plessis Muslim?
No, Faf du Plessis is a Christian. He has openly spoken about his faith and is not associated with Islam. His public statements and social media activity consistently confirm his Christian beliefs.
Q2: What religion does Faf du Plessis follow?
He follows Christianity and often references his faith in interviews and social media.
Q3: How tall is Faf du Plessis?
He is approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall.
Q4: Who is Faf du Plessis married to?
He is married to Imari Visser, a South African model and entrepreneur.
Q5: Has Faf du Plessis retired from international cricket?
Yes, he retired from all international cricket in 2021 but continues to play in various franchise leagues.
Conclusion
Faf du Plessis stands as a remarkable figure in cricket — not just for his impressive statistics and leadership but for the values he upholds. His Christian faith plays a vital role in shaping his character, both on and off the field. As of 2025, he remains an influential figure in South African cricket, contributing through coaching, mentorship, and philanthropy.
For cricket enthusiasts, understanding du Plessis’ religious beliefs adds a meaningful dimension to appreciating his journey. Far from rumors or confusion, the truth is clear: Faf du Plessis is a proud Christian, a devoted family man, and a cricketing legend whose legacy will inspire generations to come.
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