Who tops the chart in Pakistani soccer?
From the local leagues to the international competitions, who shines the brightest?
Explore the most popular soccer players from Pakistan, and appreciate their contributions to the beautiful game.
Also, check out this article for a broader look at the most popular athletes from Pakistan.
Most popular soccer players from Pakistan:
- Kaleemullah Khan
- Hajra Khan
- Zesh Rehman
- Mohammad Adil
- Yousuf Butt
- Malika-e-Noor
- Saddam Hussain
- Mansoor Khan
- Raheela Zarmeen
- Saadullah Khan
- Aimen Saleem
Table of Contents
#1 Kaleemullah Khan
- 🎂 Born in: 1992
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: First Pakistani to play in the U.S. soccer leagues
Kaleemullah Khan, a talented forward, has made history as the first Pakistani to play in the U.S. soccer leagues, signing with the Sacramento Republic FC in 2015. He is a key player for the Pakistan national team and has played in various clubs around the world.
His scoring ability and dedication to excel have earned him a prominent position in the Pakistani soccer landscape.
#2 Hajra Khan
- 🎂 Born in: 1993
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: First Pakistani woman to sign a contract with a foreign club
Hajra Khan, a pioneer in women’s soccer in Pakistan, is the first Pakistani woman to sign a contract with a foreign club, playing for German club SGS Essen and Maldives National Women’s League side Sun Hotels and Resorts FC.
As the captain of the Pakistan national women’s team since 2014, she led the team to its highest FIFA ranking in history.
#3 Zesh Rehman
- 🎂 Born in: 1983
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: First British Asian to start a Premier League match
Zesh Rehman, a defender with dual British and Pakistani nationality, has had a successful career in the English leagues, becoming the first British Asian to start a Premier League match while playing for Fulham FC in 2004.
Rehman has represented Pakistan’s national team, bringing his experience and leadership skills to strengthen the side.
#4 Mohammad Adil
- 🎂 Born in: 1992
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Pakistan Premier League Champion with K-Electric
Mohammad Adil is a well-known Pakistani soccer player who has made a significant impact on both domestic and international levels. As a defender, his performances with K-Electric in the Pakistan Premier League helped the club secure their first-ever league title in the 2014-15 season.
His defensive skills and strong presence on the field have solidified his position as one of the top Pakistani soccer players.
#5 Yousuf Butt
- 🎂 Born in: 1993
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: First-choice goalkeeper for the Pakistan national team
Yousuf Butt, one of the promising goalkeepers in Pakistani soccer, has established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for the national team. Having trained in Denmark, Butt’s experience and shot-stopping abilities have been crucial for the team.
His skills and determination have gained him recognition among the most popular Pakistani soccer players.
#6 Malika-e-Noor
- 🎂 Born in: 1994
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 3-time winner of the National Women’s Football Championship
Malika-e-Noor, a talented forward from Pakistan, has been influential in raising the profile of women’s soccer in the country. With her goal-scoring ability and exceptional skills, she has helped her club, Young Rising Stars, win the National Women’s Football Championship three times.
As a valuable member of the Pakistan national women’s team, Malika-e-Noor’s contributions to the sport make her one of the most popular soccer players in Pakistan.
#7 Saddam Hussain
- 🎂 Born in: 1993
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Captain of the Pakistan national team
Saddam Hussain, a highly skilled midfielder, has been an important figure in Pakistan’s soccer scene. His leadership qualities and exceptional play on the field have seen him named captain of the Pakistan national team.
His performances and commitment to the sport have gained him recognition as one of the most popular soccer players in Pakistan.
#8 Mansoor Khan
- 🎂 Born in: 1987
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Helping Pakistan qualify for the 2018 SAFF Championship semi-finals
Mansoor Khan, a versatile forward known for his goal-scoring abilities, has made a significant impact on Pakistan’s soccer scene. A key player for several domestic teams and the national team, Khan played an essential role in helping Pakistan qualify for the 2018 SAFF Championship semi-finals.
His determination and skills have earned him recognition as one of Pakistan’s most popular soccer players.
#9 Raheela Zarmeen
- 🎂 Born in: 1991
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Becoming the first Pakistani female coach in an international soccer league
Raheela Zarmeen, a talented coach and former soccer player, is committed to developing women’s soccer in Pakistan. Zarmeen’s strong leadership and excellent coaching skills led her to become the first Pakistani female coach in an international soccer league, coaching a team in the Maldives.
Her dedication and contributions to women’s soccer make her one of the most popular figures in Pakistani soccer.
#10 Saadullah Khan
- 🎂 Born in: 1992
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Scoring crucial goals for the Pakistan national team
Saadullah Khan, a fast and intelligent forward, has been a valuable asset to both his domestic teams and the Pakistan national team. His ability to find the back of the net in crucial matches has made him a fan favorite in Pakistan.
His consistent performances and commitment to the sport have made him one of Pakistan’s most popular soccer players.
#11 Aimen Saleem
- 🎂 Born in: 1996
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Representing Pakistan in the 2014 SAFF Women’s Championship
Aimen Saleem, a young and talented midfielder, has been making her mark in Pakistan’s women’s soccer scene. As a member of the national women’s team, she has represented Pakistan in the 2014 SAFF Women’s Championship.
Her skill and passion for the sport have made her one of the rising stars in Pakistani soccer, earning her a place among the most popular soccer players in the country.
FAQ
Who is the greatest soccer player in the history of Pakistan?
Kaleemullah Khan is widely recognized as the greatest soccer player in Pakistan’s history.
Who is the most famous female soccer player from Pakistan?
Hajra Khan, the captain of the Pakistan women’s national team, is the country’s most famous female soccer player.
Which Pakistani soccer player is the most recognized internationally?
Again, Kaleemullah Khan, having played in various international leagues, is the most internationally recognized Pakistani soccer player.
The passion for soccer in South Asia is palpable, with countries like Sri Lanka nurturing their own stars.
