ORLANDO (Kashmir English): Haris Zeb has made history by becoming the first footballer of Pakistani origin to play in a major FIFA tournament after his debut against Portuguese powerhouse Benfica. He was selected to represent Auckland City FC in the FIFA Club World Cup, marking a proud moment for the global Pakistani community.
The 24-year-old midfielder started for Auckland City FC in their second group stage match against the Portuguese giants, after sitting out their previous game against Bayern Munich. He played 60 minutes in the match, showcasing his ability on a global stage.
While the match ended in a 6-0 loss for Auckland City FC, it mattered little in the grand scheme of things.
Born in New Zealand to Pakistani immigrant parents, Haris Zeb grew up in Christchurch with dreams of playing professional football. Despite pressure to follow more traditional career paths like medicine or engineering, Zeb stayed focused on his love for the sport.
His journey, however, was not easy. Between 2021 and 2023, Haris Zeb suffered five metatarsal fractures that required two surgeries. He even had to walk away from a potential contract in Finland due to these injuries. But instead of giving up, he made a strong comeback with a standout season at Birkenhead United, earning him a spot with Auckland City FC.
The team qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup after winning the 2024 OFC Champions League. Now, Zeb will get the chance to face top clubs like Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors, and Benfica on one of football’s biggest stages.
Haris Zeb’s appearance is especially notable given that he was recently named in Pakistan’s national squad for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Myanmar. However, he missed out on making his international debut due to club commitments with Auckland City during the Club World Cup.
His breakthrough has sparked renewed optimism among Pakistani football supporters, who have long yearned to see representation at the highest levels of the global game as his inclusion is being seen by fans as both symbolic and inspirational.
Read more: Pakistan hockey team thrashes France to reach FIH Nations Cup final
