Zidane Iqbal was the first Pakistani player to play in the men’s World Cup making it a monumental moment for fans in Pakistan.
Despite Pakistan’s limited presence at the highest levels of football, especially on the World Cup stage, fans saw Zidane Iqbal, who represented Iraq, as a symbol of hope for the country’s future in the sport.
Iqbal,23, although was born and raised in Manchester. He is a Pakistani through his father and Iraqi through his mother.
His father Aamer Iqbal, born in Pakistan with roots tracing back to Sialkot and Lahore moved to UK at a very young age. He married a woman named Ayat, originally from Iraq, who had fled to UK due to the war.
The talented midfielder said he takes pride and respect in representing both nations and shows this when he takes to the pitch by wearing both countries’ flags on his boots.
Football fans in Pakistan had been feeling left out with no one to cheer for as its football team have never reached a World Cup.
In fact, they have won just one qualifying game in their entire history. But now with Zidane Iqbal playing, the Pakistani fans have someone to back.
Zidane with his Pakistani roots will also serve as an inspiration for the young Pakistani talent who want to become football players
Although Iraq lost its match with Norway, but the play gave the fans in Pakistan to follow someone at the World Cup. They will not only supported Zidane Iqbal, but loved the manner in which the young player represented Pakistan and became a source of pride.
