Football has always been a sport that bridges cultures and countries. It is one of the most popular sports globally, with an estimated 3.5 billion fans worldwide. While cricket often takes center stage in Pakistan, however, in recent years, football has been gaining prominence thanks to the efforts of talented players who have been chosen for the different foreign clubs due to their skills. According to FIFA, Pakistan’s potential in football is significant, given its large youth population and growing interest in the sport. However, challenges such as insufficient infrastructure and limited resources have always been a problem in the development of football in our country. As most of our sports budget goes to cricket, which is not even our national game, neglecting other sports and many talented sportsmen on the way.

Despite all these challenges, several Pakistani footballers have made their mark on the international stage, playing for clubs in countries like England, Denmark, the United States, and Thailand. These players have not only gained a name for their respective teams abroad but have also inspired a new generation of Pakistani footballers to dream big. Their journeys and efforts show Pakistan’s growing potential and talent that, if taken care of properly, could place the country on the global football map. Our team of experts at Tashheer took it upon themselves to highlight the stories of these 8 footballers who have made their country proud with their efforts and exceptional sports skills.

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8 Pakistani Footballers Who Made Their Country Proud on Foreign Grounds

While Pakistan may not be the first country that comes to mind when discussing football, several talented Pakistani players have made their mark internationally. Here’s a look at eight Pakistani footballers, thoroughly researched by Tash’heer’s team of experts, who have successfully played for foreign clubs, paving the way for others.

Sr No	Name	Born In	Football Role	Represented Pakistan How/Where
1	Hassan Bashir	Denmark	Forward	International debut in 2012, 9 goals in 21 appearances
2	Yousuf Butt	Denmark	Goalkeeper	Represented Pakistan in SAFF Championship, won Safe Hand award
3	Atif Bashir	Germany	Defender	Played in SAFF Championship, World Cup qualifiers
4	Kaleemullah Khan	Pakistan	Forward	First Pakistani to score 100 career goals, futsal in 2023
5	Adnan Ahmed	England	Midfielder	27 caps, 4 goals for Pakistan
6	Zesh Rehman	England	Defender/Coach	First Pakistani in Premier League, transitioned to coaching
7	Naser Kayani	Spain/Pakistan	Coach	Promotes women’s football, aspires to coach Pakistan
8	Sahar Zaman	Pakistan	Midfielder	Made international debut at 13, scored international goal

Hassan Bashir

Hassan Naweed Bashir, also known as the Hitman, is a professional footballer from Denmark who plays for VB 1968. He has played various attacking roles, such as a forward, offensive midfielder, second striker, and center forward. He was born in Denmark, but he has represented Pakistan internationally, where he is considered one of the best strikers in the country’s history. Bashir began his senior football career with B.93 Copenhagen and has played for many Danish clubs including Fyn, Brønshøj, Svendborg, Hellerup IK and Svebølle. In the year 2012, he joined Thailand’s BBCU for a while and then returned to Denmark with Nordvest, Fremad Amager, and Hellerup.

Social Media Profile

Football Career Overview

The following table provides a detailed overview of the player’s football career, showcasing their progression through various teams and leagues across the globe.

Year	Club/Team	Country	Position	Notable Achievements	Career Highlights
2004	B.93 Copenhagen	Denmark	Forward	Started senior career	Early career start
2008	Svebølle B&I	Denmark	Forward	Played in Danish lower leagues	Contributed to team’s performance
2012	BBCU	Thailand	Forward	Played briefly in Thai league	Part of Thailand’s league
2012	Dordoi Bishkek	Kyrgyzstan	Forward	Played in Kyrgyz Premier League	Achieved success with the club
2013	Fremad Amager	Denmark	Forward	Returned to Denmark	Significant role in team
2015	Hellerup IK	Denmark	Forward	Continued career in Danish clubs	Key player in Danish leagues
2012	Pakistan National Team	International	Forward	Made international debut	Scored crucial goals for Pakistan
2012	Pakistan National Team	International	Forward	Scored 9 goals in 21 appearances	Leader in team’s attack

Yousuf Butt

Yousuf Ijaz Butt, who was born on 18 October 1989, is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for FC Gladsaxe. Born in Denmark, he plays for the Pakistan national team. Butt has played over 400 division games in Denmark and is considered one of the best goalkeepers in South Asia due to his performance in the 2018 SAFF Championship, where he won the Safe Hand award. Butt started his career at Hellerup IK, joining the club at the age of 14. He made his senior debut in 2007 in the Danish 1st division at 18. Afterward, Butt joined the 2nd division club BK Skjold in 2010, helping the club avoid relegation, playing 17 games in the season.

Social Media Profile

Football Career Overview

The following table provides a detailed overview of the player’s football career, showcasing their progression through various teams and leagues across the globe.

Year	Club/Team	Country	Position	Notable Achievements	Career Highlights
2007	Hellerup IK	Denmark	Goalkeeper	Made senior debut at 18	Early start in Danish football
2010	BK Skjold	Denmark	Goalkeeper	Helped avoid relegation	Key role in team’s survival
2012	BK Glostrup Albertslund	Denmark	Goalkeeper	Became club captain	Leadership role
2014	Brønshøj Boldklub	Denmark	Goalkeeper	Played in DBU Cup	Notable performance in cup matches
2015	Svebølle B&I	Denmark	Goalkeeper	Continued career in Denmark	Maintained performance in Danish leagues
2012	Pakistan National Team	International	Goalkeeper	Represented Pakistan	Strong performances in international games
2018	Pakistan National Team	International	Goalkeeper	Won Safe Hand award in SAFF Championship	Notable achievement in South Asian football
2018	Pakistan National Team	International	Goalkeeper	Over 400 division games in Denmark	Experience and consistency

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Atif Bashir

Atif Qureshi Bashir, born on 3 April 1985, is also a former professional football player who played as a defender. Born in Germany, he represented the Pakistan national team. Bashir started as a defender equally comfortable playing at right-back and the center of defense. He spent seven years as a youth at professional clubs such as Hertha Berlin and Cardiff City. After leaving Cardiff City, Bashir signed for Afan Lido in 2004 and played 11 games, scoring 1 goal. He then moved to Maesteg Park A.F.C. in 2005, playing 34 games and scoring two goals. He later went to Cardiff Grange Quins in 2007, making eight appearances in the Welsh Premier League, scoring one goal. Bashir had a short spell at Haverfordwest County A.F.C. and then moved to Barry Town, where he became Barry’s first international player.

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Football Career Overview

The following table provides a detailed overview of the player’s football career, showcasing their progression through various teams and leagues across the globe.

Year	Club/Team	Country	Position	Notable Achievements	Career Highlights
2004	Afan Lido	Wales	Defender	Started senior career	Initial exposure to professional football
2005	Maesteg Park A.F.C.	Wales	Defender	Played 34 games, scored 2 goals	Significant playing time
2007	Cardiff Grange Quins	Wales	Defender	Played in Welsh Premier League	Notable league performance
2008	Barry Town	Wales	Defender	Became Barry’s first international player	Achieved international recognition
2008	Pakistan National Team	International	Defender	Called up for SAFF Championship	Represented Pakistan in regional tournaments
2011	Pakistan National Team	International	Defender	Played in World Cup qualifiers	Contributed to international qualifying
2012	Pakistan National Team	International	Defender	Knee injury ended international career	Major career setback
2014	Barry Town	Wales	Defender	Hinted at return after injury	Potential comeback

Kaleemullah Khan

Kaleemullah Khan is a Pakistani professional footballer born on September 20, 1992, in Chaman, Pakistan. He currently plays futsal for Abdul FC in Karachi. Kaleemullah is known for his diverse nature as a footballer, playing as a forward, winger, or attacking midfielder. He made history as the first Pakistani footballer to play and score in the United States and is the first Pakistani to score 100 career goals in club competitions. Kaleemullah was born in Chaman, Balochistan. He began playing football at Government High School Chaman. Despite initial resistance from his parents due to the lack of football infrastructure in Pakistan, they supported him when he joined AFC Chaman.

Social Media Profile

Football Career Overview

The following table provides a detailed overview of the player’s football career, showcasing their progression through various teams and leagues across the globe.

Year	Club/Team	Country	Position	Notable Achievements	Career Highlights
2009	AFC Chaman	Pakistan	Forward	Started club career	Initial club success
2009	KRL	Pakistan	Forward	Top scorer, won titles	Key player in club’s success
2014	Dordoi Bishkek	Kyrgyzstan	Forward	21 goals in 21 matches	Dominant performance in Kyrgyz league
2015	Sacramento Republic FC	USA	Forward	First Pakistani-born in US leagues	Historic achievement
2016	Tulsa Roughnecks	USA	Forward	Continued career in US	Played in multiple US clubs
2023	Abdul FC	Pakistan	Forward	Returned to play futsal	Shift to futsal
2009	Pakistan National Team	International	Forward	First Pakistani to score 100 career goals	Significant international impact
2023	Pakistan National Team	International	Forward	Role model for young players	Influential figure in local football

Adnan Ahmed

Adnan Farooq Ahmed is a former professional footballer who has also had the honor of representing his country in foreign lands. He played as a midfielder, representing both English clubs and the Pakistan national team on different occasions. Born on June 7, 1984, in Burnley, England, he is of Pakistani descent and has roots in Gujrat, Pakistan. Adnan started his career at Bury, then joined Manchester United’s youth academy before moving to Huddersfield Town, where he turned professional in 2003. Considering his club career, he played for many different teams, such as Huddersfield Town, Tranmere Rovers, and Ferencváros in Hungary. He also had stints in Iran with Aboumoslem and several clubs in England, including Nelson and Droylsden. Adnan was known for his ball control, technique, creativity, and passing. 

Profile

Football Career Overview

The following table provides a detailed overview of the player’s football career, showcasing their progression through various teams and leagues across the globe.

Year	Club/Team	Country	Position	Notable Achievements	Career Highlights
2001	Manchester United (Youth)	England	Midfielder	Joined youth academy	Early professional development
2003	Huddersfield Town	England	Midfielder	Turned professional	Major career start
2007	Tranmere Rovers	England	Midfielder	Played in various clubs	Notable performances
2010	Aboumoslem	Iran	Midfielder	Played in Iran	Experience in Iranian football
2011	Ferencváros	Hungary	Midfielder	Continued career in Hungary	Success in Hungarian league
2013	Nelson and Droylsden	England	Midfielder	Played in English lower leagues	Extensive experience
2007	Pakistan National Team	International	Midfielder	Represented Pakistan	Significant contributions
2013	Pakistan National Team	International	Midfielder	27 caps, 4 goals	Influential midfielder

Zesh Rehman

Zesh Rehman, Born on October 14, 1983, in Birmingham, England, is a former professional footballer who played as a defender and is currently the first-team development coach at Portsmouth FC. Rehman is the first British Asian to start a Premier League match and has played in all four divisions of professional football in England. He has also represented the Pakistan national team and became the first Pakistani international to play professional football in England, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Rehman began his youth career with Fulham in 1995 and progressed through their ranks, eventually making his professional debut for the club. 

Social Media Profile

Football Career Overview

The following table provides a detailed overview of the player’s football career, showcasing their progression through various teams and leagues across the globe.

Year	Club/Team	Country	Position	Notable Achievements	Career Highlights
1995	Fulham (Youth)	England	Defender	Joined youth academy	Began football career
2003	Fulham	England	Defender	Made professional debut	Key early career stage
2006	Queens Park Rangers	England	Defender	50 appearances for QPR	Notable league performances
2008	Bradford City	England	Defender	Played in English lower leagues	Significant league experience
2011	Muangthong United	Thailand	Defender	Played in Thai league	Achieved success in Thailand
2014	Kitchee	Hong Kong	Defender	Won multiple trophies	Success in Hong Kong league
2005	Pakistan National Team	International	Defender	Made international debut	First Pakistani in Premier League
2023	Portsmouth FC	England	Development Coach	Transitioned to coaching	First British Pakistani coach

Naser Kayani

Naser Kayani, a coach with Valencia CF’s women’s reserve team, has been with the club’s academy for nearly a decade. Born in Zaragoza, Spain, to a Spanish mother and a Pakistani father, he spent his early years in Jhelum, Pakistan. Then, he moved to the USA and then back to Spain after his father’s death. Kayani initially struggled with language and cultural transitions but found his passion for football in Zaragoza at age 12. His promising playing career was cut short by knee injuries, but his mother’s encouragement led him to coaching. Kayani started with youth teams in Zaragoza and Valencia, eventually joining Valencia CF’s academy. 

Social Media Profile

Football Career Overview

The following table provides a detailed overview of the player’s football career, showcasing their progression through various teams and leagues across the globe.

Year	Club/Team	Country	Position	Notable Achievements	Career Highlights
2005	Youth Teams in Zaragoza	Spain	Player/Coach	Started youth career	Early football career
2010	Youth Teams in Valencia	Spain	Player/Coach	Began coaching career	Transitioned to coaching
2013	Valencia CF (Women’s Reserve)	Spain	Coach	Joined Valencia CF’s academy	Promoted women’s football
2023	Valencia CF (Women’s Reserve)	Spain	Coach	Continued coaching role	Influence in women’s football
2013	Zaragoza Youth Teams	Spain	Coach	Developed young talent	Important role in local youth development
2015	Valencia CF	Spain	Coach	Significant impact on academy	Key figure in youth football
2020	Valencia CF	Spain	Coach	Continued development work	Advanced coaching career

Sahar Zaman

Last but not least, we have Sahar Zaman, born on December 6, 1996, in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, who is a midfielder for the Pakistan women’s national football team. At the club level, she played for Young Rising Stars from 2008 to 2019, helping them win four National Championships in a row from 2010 to 2013. Inspired by American goalkeeper Hope Solo, she saw Solo play during a 2009 Sports Envoy Programme in the U.S. In 2020, Sahar joined WAPDA and won the Golden Boot with 27 goals in the National Women Football Championship. She also helped WAPDA reach the quarterfinals in the 2021 championship before it was canceled. 

Social Media Profile

Football Career Overview

The following table provides a detailed overview of the player’s football career, showcasing their progression through various teams and leagues across the globe.

Year	Club/Team	Country	Notable Achievements	Career Highlights
2008	Young Rising Stars	Pakistan	Played for Young Rising Stars	Key player for Young Rising Stars as a middle fielder.
2010	Young Rising Stars	Pakistan	Won National Championships	Significant club success
2010	Pakistan National Team	International	Youngest squad member	Notable international debut
2014	Pakistan National Team	International	Scored first international goal	First international goal
2014	Pakistan National Team	International	Contributed to victory over Bhutan	Major contribution to the national team’s success
2016	Punjab	Pakistan	Won a silver medal at Inter Provincial Games	Achieved in national games
2020	WAPDA	Pakistan	Joined WAPDA	Strong performance in WAPDA
2021	WAPDA	Pakistan	Won Golden Boot	Major individual achievement

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