Alexander Isak is believed to follow Christianity based on his Eritrean heritage, as the majority of Eritrea’s population practices Christianity. While the Swedish striker has never publicly discussed his religious beliefs, his family background and cultural roots provide insight into his likely faith.
Quick Profile: Alexander Isak
What Religion Is Alexander Isak?
Alexander Isak has kept his personal religious beliefs private and has not discussed them in interviews or on his social media platforms. In the absence of a direct confirmation from him, the widespread speculation that he is a Christian is largely drawn from his cultural heritage.
His parents emigrated from Eritrea, a country where Christianity is a major religion. A significant portion of the population belongs to the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church and other Christian denominations. This cultural context is the main reason for the speculation. Some online sources and biography websites list his religion as Christianity, but they also note that this is not an officially verified fact.
Early Life
Alexander Isak was born on September 21, 1999, in Solna Municipality, Stockholm County, Sweden, to two Eritrean parents who had escaped their home country in the late 1980s due to the civil war tormenting life in the East African nation. His father, Teame, made the difficult decision for him and his wife to leave Eritrea and move to Sweden to pursue a better life for their family.
Growing up in Sweden, Alexander experienced a unique blend of cultures. Teame took up the role of a school teacher in Sweden and was even responsible for teaching AIK legend Henok Goitom the Eritrean language Tigrinya when he was a child.
Club Career
Alexander Isak’s football journey began at a remarkably young age and has been filled with impressive achievements across multiple European leagues.
AIK (2016–2017)
Isak made his first team debut for AIK on February 28, 2016, appearing as a substitute in the Swedish Cup match against fourth-tier side Tenhults IF. At age 16, he scored a goal in the 6-0 victory. On April 7, he scored in a 2-0 win against Östersunds FK, becoming the youngest scorer for AIK in Allsvenskan history at 16 years and 199 days.
On his 17th birthday, September 21, 2016, he scored two critical goals in AIK’s 3-0 derby win over arch-rivals Djurgårdens IF. He was later described by teammate Chinedu Obasi as “Sweden’s new Zlatan Ibrahimović”.
Borussia Dortmund (2017–2019)
On January 23, 2017, Isak signed for Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund on a long-term contract. Reports suggested the transfer fee was set at €9 million, which would be the highest transfer fee ever paid for an Allsvenskan player at that time. During his time at Dortmund, Isak won the 2016–17 DFB-Pokal, his first medal at club level.
Willem II (Loan, 2018–2019)
Isak was loaned to Dutch Eredivisie club Willem II. On February 28, 2019, he scored the equalizer and winning penalty against AZ Alkmaar in the KNVB Cup semi-finals, helping Willem II reach the Dutch cup final for the first time since 2005. On March 30, he became the first player ever to score three penalties in an Eredivisie match. On April 14, Isak became the first foreign-born player in the Eredivisie to score 12 goals in his first 12 league games.
Real Sociedad (2019–2022)
On June 12, 2019, Isak signed a five-year deal with Real Sociedad. On April 3, 2021, he won his first silverware with the club when Real Sociedad won the 2019–20 Copa del Rey in a 1-0 win against Athletic Bilbao. He scored his first hat-trick for the club on February 21, 2021, in a 4-0 league win against Deportivo Alavés, becoming the first Swedish player to score a La Liga hat-trick since 1949.
Newcastle United (2022–2025)
On August 26, 2022, Isak signed for Premier League club Newcastle United for a club-record fee. On August 31, he scored a goal on his debut and was named man of the match in a 2-1 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield.
On December 21, 2024, Isak scored his first hat-trick for Newcastle in a 4-0 win at Ipswich Town, making him the first Swedish player to score a hat-trick in the Premier League since 2003. His opening goal was the fastest away goal for Newcastle United in the Premier League, scored in just 25.95 seconds from kickoff.
In the summer of 2025, tensions emerged between Isak and Newcastle United management. On August 14, 2025, he went on strike, making himself unavailable for Newcastle’s season opener against Aston Villa. On August 19, Isak confirmed his desire to leave Newcastle through an Instagram statement, accusing the club of breaking promises. He stated that when promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship cannot continue. Newcastle denied making any commitment allowing Isak to leave that summer.
Liverpool FC (2025–present)
On September 1, 2025, Liverpool announced the signing of Isak on a long-term contract for a British record fee of £125 million, making it the third most expensive transfer of all time. He joined the Premier League champions as their new No.9, wearing the famous number previously worn by legends of the club.
During his three seasons at Newcastle, Isak scored 62 goals in 109 appearances for the St. James’ Park club. He netted 54 times in 86 Premier League outings for the Magpies, with 23 goals coming in his final season, when he finished second behind Mohamed Salah in the race for the Golden Boot.
Career Earnings and Salary
Alexander Isak signed a 6 year contract with Liverpool FC for £125 million transfer fee, with his salary reportedly at £280,000 per week. The move to Liverpool in 2025 represented a significant salary increase from his Newcastle United wages. His contract at Liverpool runs until June 30, 2031.
At Newcastle United, Isak earned £120,000 per week, which amounted to £6,240,000 per year. During his time at Real Sociedad, his earnings were considerably lower, reflecting his development as a player. At Real Sociedad, he earned approximately €21,538 per week (around €1.1 million annually). During his time at Borussia Dortmund, he earned approximately €15,000 per week (€780,000 annually).
Personal Life
Alexander Isak does not have a girlfriend currently. Although media reports linked him with a mystery woman in Stockholm, the Newcastle star clarified that he is single. Isak lives with his father, Teame, and mother. Unlike some footballers whose relationships regularly appear in tabloids, Isak is a private individual. He rarely posts anything personal on social media beyond football-related updates, training, or sponsorship commitments.
