When Haris Zeb steps onto the pitch at the FIFA Club World Cup this month, he will achieve a historic feat: becoming the first footballer of Pakistani origin to compete in a FIFA Club World Cup event. For the 24-year-old Auckland City winger, this significant milestone transcends personal accomplishment—it symbolizes a triumph over cultural expectations, career-threatening injuries, and the underdog status often associated with Pakistani football.
In an exclusive interview with Geo News, Zeb candidly discussed his footballing journey—a path marked by five challenging foot injuries—along with his future aspirations and his availability for the Pakistan national football team.
Born in New Zealand to Pakistani immigrant parents, Zeb’s early life unfolded in a modest, cramped Christchurch home shared by three families. Football emerged as his vital escape, though his trajectory in the sport was anything but straightforward. “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 with immigrant parents, Zeb initially encountered skepticism regarding his pursuit of professional football.
The sport’s relative lack of popularity within the Pakistani community did not deter him. “I played cricket like every Pakistani kid, but the joy wasn’t the same,” he explained, adding: “Football was always my passion.” Things began to shift when he started achieving success around the age of 18. “Once I started achieving results, everyone began supporting me,” he says. “Today, my family is proud.” That pride is poised to reach new heights as he prepares to face global football powerhouses like Bayern Munich—a prospect that still feels surreal to him. “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 might not enter the tournament as favorites against formidable opponents like Bayern. Yet, Zeb, who once controlled these very teams in video games, remains undaunted. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’ll give 100%,” he affirmed.
Zeb’s promising career nearly ended prematurely. Between 2021 and 2023, he sustained five metatarsal fractures, necessitating two surgeries. “I had a contract in Finland that fell through because of injury,” he revealed. “I thought my dream was shattered.” However, his unwavering perseverance ultimately bore fruit with a standout 2024 season with Birkenhead United, earning him a coveted spot in Auckland City’s Club World Cup squad. “Allah writes everyone’s destiny,” Zeb reflected. His impressive performances for the team include three crucial goals in their OFC Champions League triumph, leading to their qualification for the Club World Cup, where Auckland City will contend with giants such as Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors, and Benfica.
While Zeb has thrived in New Zealand, questions persist regarding his potential availability for Pakistan’s national team. He received a call-up for the 2023 U23 AFC qualifiers but was unable to participate due to injury. “I was supposed to be in the camp this time but my focus was FIFA Club World Cup,” he clarified. “I’m in contact with the Pakistan Football Federation and the coach,” Zeb stated. “If selected for future matches, I’ll be available.”
Zeb further expressed his belief that Pakistan is the “sleeping giant” of Asian Football. “I regularly follow Pakistan Football. The FIFA ban and political issues halted the progress but things seem to be getting back on track, I believe. The 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 asserted.
To his growing fanbase in Pakistan, Zeb conveyed a heartfelt message: “The love from Pakistan means everything to me. If given the chance, I want to represent Pakistan.” As for what the future holds? “I don’t overthink the future,” Zeb smiled. “I just pray to keep playing well,” he concluded.
