Haris Zeb
KARACHI: When Haris Zeb takes to the field at the FIFA Club World Cup this month, he won’t just be chasing a football — he’ll be chasing history. The 24-year-old Auckland City FC winger is set to become the first footballer of Pakistani origin to feature in the prestigious tournament, marking a groundbreaking moment for Pakistani representation in global football.
Zeb’s journey to the world stage has been anything but easy. Born in Christchurch, New Zealand to Pakistani immigrant parents, Zeb grew up in modest conditions — his family sharing a cramped home with two other families. Football became his passion and his refuge, even as he faced cultural resistance and a series of career-threatening injuries.
“In our Pakistani community, the expectations are usually around becoming a doctor or a lawyer,” Zeb shared in an exclusive interview. “At first, my family said I was wasting time with football.” But Zeb’s persistence paid off. “Once I started performing well around age 18, the support from my family grew. Today, they are proud.”
Despite football’s lack of popularity in the Pakistani diaspora, Zeb never wavered in his commitment. He briefly played cricket like most Pakistani children, but he says the joy of football always won out.
His resilience was tested between 2021 and 2023, when he suffered five foot fractures, including two that required surgery. A promising contract in Finland even fell through due to these injuries, nearly ending his dream prematurely.
“I thought it was over,” Zeb admits. But a strong comeback in 2024 with Birkenhead United, highlighted by three goals in the OFC Champions League, earned him a spot in Auckland City’s Club World Cup squad — and another shot at his dream.
Now, as he prepares to face global football giants like Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors, and Benfica, the reality is still sinking in. “I used to play against these teams in video games with my brother. Now I’ll face them on the pitch. It’s surreal,” he said.
Zeb is also in touch with the Pakistan Football Federation and has previously been considered for the national team. Though he missed the 2023 AFC U23 qualifiers due to injury, he remains committed. “My focus right now is the FIFA Club World Cup, but I’m in contact with the Pakistan coach. If selected, I’ll be available,” he confirmed.
Zeb sees tremendous potential in Pakistani football. “Pakistan is a sleeping giant in Asian football. Yes, the FIFA ban and political hurdles hurt development, but things are slowly getting better,” he noted. “We need more international matches and a mix of local and overseas players. That’s how we’ll rise.”
As his fanbase grows in Pakistan, Zeb had a heartfelt message for those cheering him on from afar. “The love from Pakistan means everything to me. If given the opportunity, I want to wear the national jersey,” he said.
As for the future, Zeb remains grounded: “I don’t overthink. I just pray to keep playing well and making my community proud.”
