Haris Zeb to feature in FIFA Club World Cup
KARACHI
When Haris Zeb steps onto the pitch at the FIFA Club World Cup this month, he will make history as the first footballer of Pakistani origin to compete in a FIFA Club World Cup event.
For the 24-year-old Auckland City winger, this milestone represents more than personal achievement — it’s a triumph over cultural expectations, career-threatening injuries, and the underdog status of Pakistani football.In an exclusive interview with Geo News, Zeb spoke about his football journey — marked by five foot injuries — his future targets and his availability for the Pakistan football team.
Born in New Zealand to Pakistani immigrant parents, Zeb grew up in a cramped Christchurch home shared by three families. Football became his escape, though his path was far from smooth. “At first, my family said I was wasting time with football,” Zeb recalls. “In our Pakistani community, they expect you to become a doctor or lawyer.”
Growing up in New Zealand to immigrant parents, Zeb faced early scepticism about pursuing the beautiful game professionally.Pakistani origin footballer Haris Zeb photographed during a match. — Reporter
Pakistani origin footballer Haris Zeb photographed during a match. — Reporter Football’s lack of popularity among the Pakistani community didn’t deter him either. “I played cricket like every Pakistani kid, but the joy wasn’t the same,” he said, adding: “Football was always my passion.”
Things started to change when he began finding success at age 18. “Once I started achieving results, everyone began supporting me,” he says. “Today, my family is proud.” That pride will reach new heights when he faces global powerhouses like Bayern Munich — a prospect that still seems 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 City, may not enter as favourites against Bayern and others. But Zeb, who once played as these teams in video games, is undaunted. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’ll give 100%”.
