Pakistani origin footballer Haris Zeb poses with a trophy. — Reporter/File
KARACHI: When Haris Zeb steps onto the pitch on the FIFA Membership World Cup this month, he’ll make historical past as the primary footballer of Pakistani origin to compete in a FIFA Membership World Cup occasion.
For the 24-year-old Auckland Metropolis winger, this milestone represents greater than private achievement — it is a conquer cultural expectations, career-threatening accidents, and the underdog standing of Pakistani soccer.
Born in New Zealand to Pakistani immigrant dad and mom, Zeb grew up in a cramped Christchurch residence shared by three households. Soccer grew to become his escape, although his path was removed from easy.
“At first, my family said I was wasting time with football,” Zeb recollects. “In our Pakistani community, they expect you to become a doctor or lawyer.”
Rising up in New Zealand to immigrant dad and mom, Zeb confronted early scepticism about pursuing the attractive recreation professionally.
Pakistani origin footballer Haris Zeb photographed throughout a match. — Reporter
Soccer’s lack of recognition among the many Pakistani neighborhood didn’t deter him both. “I played cricket like every Pakistani kid, but the joy wasn’t the same,” he stated, including: “Football was always my passion.”
Issues began to vary when he started discovering success at age 18. “Once I started achieving results, everyone began supporting me,” he says. “Today, my family is proud.”
That pleasure will attain new heights when he faces international powerhouses like Bayern Munich — a prospect that also appears surreal.
“I used to play against these teams in video games with my brother. Now I’ll face them in reality,” the footballer remarked.
Auckland Metropolis, could not enter as favourites in opposition to Bayern and others. However Zeb, who as soon as performed as these groups in video video games, is undaunted. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’ll give 100%”.
Haris Zeb pictured throughout observe. — Reporter
Zeb’s path almost ended earlier than it really started. Between 2021-2023, he suffered 5 metatarsal fractures requiring two surgical procedures. “I had a contract in Finland that fell through because of injury,” he reveals. “I thought my dream was shattered.”
His perseverance paid off with a standout 2024 season with Birkenhead United that earned him a spot in Auckland Metropolis’s Membership World Cup squad. “Allah writes everyone’s destiny,” Zeb stated.
His standout performances for the group embody three targets within the OFC Champions League triumph and now a spot on the Membership World Cup, the place his aspect Auckland will face giants like Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors and Benfica.
Whereas Zeb has flourished in New Zealand, questions linger about his availability for Pakistan’s nationwide group. He was known as up for 2023’s U23 AFC qualifiers however could not take part because of an damage.
“I was supposed to be in the camp this time but my focus was FIFA Club World Cup,” he stated. “I’m in contact with the Pakistan Football Federation and the coach,” Zeb states. “If selected for future matches, I’ll be available.”
Zeb added that he considers Pakistan to be the sleeping large of Asian Soccer.
“I regularly follow Pakistan Football. The FIFA ban and political issues halted the progress but things seem getting back on track, I believe. Pakistan team needs to play more matches and I am sure that the blend of local and diaspora players will make Pakistan one of the top teams in Asian football,” he stated.
To his rising fanbase in Pakistan, Zeb despatched a heartfelt message and stated: “The love from Pakistan means everything to me. If given the chance, I want to represent Pakistan.”
As for what’s subsequent? “I don’t overthink the future,” Zeb smiles. “I just pray to keep playing well,” he concluded.
