(Sports Correspondent:Â Imran Sohail)
Haris Zeb Makes History as First Pakistani-Origin Player in FIFA Club World Cup
In a proud moment for Pakistani football, Haris Zeb has made history by becoming the first player of Pakistani origin to feature in a major FIFA tournament. The 24-year-old midfielder took the field for Auckland City FC in their FIFA Club World Cup match against Portuguese giants Benfica.
Zeb was included in the starting lineup for Auckland City’s second group-stage fixture, marking his debut appearance in the prestigious tournament. Although the match ended in a 6-0 defeat, his presence on the world stage was a significant milestone for both the player and the broader Pakistani football community.
Born and raised in New Zealand, Haris Zeb has earned a strong reputation in Oceania football circles through consistent performances for Auckland City in both domestic and regional competitions. His call-up to the Club World Cup squad was a natural progression, reflecting his growth as a skilled and dependable playmaker.
Adding to the excitement, Zeb was recently named in Pakistan’s national squad for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Myanmar. However, he was unable to make his debut due to club commitments during the ongoing FIFA tournament.
Despite the result, Zeb’s participation has sparked enthusiasm and pride among fans in Pakistan and abroad. His journey is being seen as a beacon of hope for young footballers of Pakistani descent and a sign of the growing global presence of the nation’s talent in international football.
