10 Footballers Who Refused To Play

Dariusz who? That's a good question, and were it not for the man himself putting religion before renown, there's every chance he could have became football's second best-known Darius (behind Tord Grip's nemesis Vassell).

The Polish player grew up in a devout Adventist household, and at the age of 16, was baptised. He at that moment vowed never to break the Sabbath. That vow met with a considerable test three years later when, having proven his ability as an equally devout footballer, he signed his first professional contract. How could he make it in the sport if he wasn't prepared to play on Saturdays?

Astonishingly, such was his talent, his new club Chojnowianka agreed to let him skip the Sabbath. Indeed, the team tried to rearrange matches for Sundays so Ginda could participate, until rivals eventually got wind of the advantage they could gain by insisting on the regular schedule. Eventually, when a crucial tie fell on the day, Ginda was forced to make a remarkable compromise - only emerging after sunset to guide Chojnowianka to the win.

Two years on, Ginda was offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play for a side in Poland's highest division. Despite being tempted by a contract worth up to $500,000 a year, Ginda declined. "I knew something was more important than money and a career as a soccer player," he said. "For me, it was best to be faithful to God."