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Dutch star Clarence Seedorf announced via Instagram on Friday that he had converted to

The 45-year-old expressed a "special thanks" to everyone who sent "nice messages in celebration of me joining the Muslim family" on

The sporting legend, considered one of the most successful players in UEFA Champions League history, shared his gratitude towards his wife Sophia Makramati for teaching him “in depth the meaning of Islam”. 

"I’m very happy and pleased to join all Brothers and Sisters around the world," wrote Seedorf in a caption alongside an image of him and Makramati holding hands.

The said he would not change his name following the conversion, but use the name given to him by his parents.  

Makramati, who describes herself as an entrepreneur, said she was “very happy and proud to be part of this special and beautiful moment” on Instagram on Friday. 

Comments underneath Seedorf and Makramti’s posts were filled with warm wishes and heartfelt messages. “Welcome to Islam…my legend,” wrote one social media user. 

Seedorf formerly played for and Real Madrid. He is the only footballer to have won the Champions League with three different clubs.

Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world, with the number of set to grow at more than twice the rate of the overall world population between 2015 and 2060 according to research by the Pew Research Centre. 

It is estimated that roughly 5,000 people convert to Islam every year in the UK, according to the Guardian.