ZÜRICH, Switzerland (Kashmir English): FIFA has paid tribute to Pakistani pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi by including him in the list of global iconic No. 10s alongside Messi, Neymar and Modrić, in an Instagram post.
Afridi featured alongside football greats Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and Luka Modrić in a FIFA social media post celebrating global athletes associated with the iconic number 10 jersey.
The FIFA World Cup Instagram account posted an image on Tuesday highlighting the Pakistani pacer with three of football’s biggest stars — Messi, Neymar and Modrić — under the caption, “The iconic.”
While Afridi is known for his cricket performances on world level, his featuring alongside football greats signifies a cross-sport recognition.
FIFA gesture
The FIFA gesture seems part of a wider effort to enhance fan base in Pakistan ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, set to take place in the US.
Also campaigns at local level are reportedly in progress to connect with sports fans across different regions.
The recognition comes during a high point in the 25-year-old fast bowler’s cricketing career.
Afridi led Lahore Qalandars to a third Pakistan Super League (PSL) title, making him the most successful captain in the tournament’s history.
Already the only captain to claim consecutive HBL PSL titles in 2022 and 2023, Afridi now holds the distinction of lifting the trophy three times — more than any other captain in the league.
