Auckland City’s Haris Zeb will become the first footballer of Pakistani origin to play in the FIFA Club World Cup when the tournament gets underway on June 14.
Born in New Zealand to Pakistani immigrant parents, Zeb was raised in a cramped Christchurch house shared by three families.
Football, not a traditional choice in his community, became a source of freedom.
Zeb recalled: “At first, my family said I was wasting time with football.
“In our Pakistani community, they expect you to become a doctor or lawyer.”
Though cricket was the sport of choice for most children around him, Haris Zeb felt a stronger pull elsewhere.
“I played cricket like every Pakistani kid, but the joy wasn’t the same. Football was always my passion.”
That passion began to pay off in his late teens.
“Once I started achieving results, everyone began supporting me. Today, my family is proud.”
That support has only grown as Zeb prepares to face Bayern Munich, Benfica and Boca Juniors in Group C.
He said: “I used to play against these teams in video games with my brother. Now I’ll face them in reality.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I will give 100 per cent.”
Haris Zeb’s rise has not come easily. Between 2021 and 2023, he broke his metatarsal five times and underwent two surgeries.
He revealed: “I had a contract in Finland that fell through because of injury. I thought my dream was shattered.”
His career was revived after a strong 2024 season with Birkenhead United, securing a transfer to Auckland City.
He scored three goals in Auckland City’s OFC Champions League campaign, helping them secure a place at the FIFA tournament and earning a place in the Club World Cup squad.
While Haris Zeb has established himself in New Zealand, his potential role in Pakistan’s national team remains a topic of interest.
He was selected for the 2023 AFC U23 qualifiers but missed out due to injury.
He said: “I was supposed to be in the camp this time but my focus was FIFA Club World Cup.
“I’m in contact with the Pakistan Football Federation and the coach.
“If selected for future matches, I’ll be available.”
Zeb believes Pakistan has untapped footballing potential.
“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.”
Zeb has received growing support from fans in Pakistan and said he hopes to wear the green shirt one day.
He added: “The love from Pakistan means everything to me. If given the chance, I want to represent Pakistan.”
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