Dutch soccer star Wesley Sneijder, who scored the crucial second goal in his team's in World Cup semi-final victory over Uruguay this morning, converted to Catholicism shortly before leaving for South Africa.The report in the Catholic News Agency cites the Argentinean daily La Nacion, which featured a story on Sneijder, which said that the footballer arrived at the World Cup "completely renewed".
"At the end of May he converted to Catholicism and was been baptized in a chapel in Milan, where the brilliant soccer star plays for the Inter Soccer Team, receiving endless accolades," according to the report. "He was influenced in his decision by his girlfriend, Dutch actress and model Yolanthe Cabau, who was born in the Spanish city of Ibiza and who he has decided to marry in the Church after the World Cup ends."
"He was also inspired by his friendship with Javier Zanetti, his teammate and captain for the Inter, who is himself a practicing Catholic," it adds.
"The faith gives me strength," Sneijder is quoted saying. "My convictions often keep me strong and give me determination. Everyday I pray the Our Father with (girlfriend Yolanthe). Before each game I always seek out a place to pray."
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