Top Pakistani Footballers Making Big Moves Abroad

For decades, Pakistani football fans have waited for their stars to shine on the international stage. Cricket may dominate headlines, but behind the scenes, a new generation of talented footballers has been quietly making waves. Now, in 2025, that tide has turned—and Pakistani footballers are stepping into the spotlight, signing with clubs abroad, and proving they belong on the global stage.

From Sweden to Azerbaijan, Finland to Bhutan, a growing list of Pakistani footballers is catching the attention of scouts, coaches, and fans across Europe and Asia. This year alone has seen a record number of international transfers involving Pakistani players—marking a historic moment not just for the individuals involved, but for the future of football in Pakistan.

But this rise isn’t just about numbers. It’s about stories. Young players like Abdullah Iqbal and Mohammad Fazal are showing incredible determination and skill while building careers far from home. Meanwhile, diaspora stars such as Easah Suliman and Haris Zeb are using their platforms to represent Pakistan at the highest levels, creating new narratives and reshaping perceptions about the country’s football talent.

This blog dives deep into the top Pakistani footballers who have made big moves abroad in 2025. We’ll explore their journeys, the clubs they’ve joined, and what these moves mean for the national team, youth development, and Pakistan’s global football reputation.

Whether you're a passionate football follower or just beginning to discover the sport's local heroes, one thing is clear: the game is changing. And for the first time in a long time, it’s changing in Pakistan’s favor.

Major Transfers – Pakistani Players Making Waves Abroad

In 2025, a wave of major international transfers has put Pakistani footballers firmly on the radar of clubs across Europe and Asia. This isn’t just about players switching clubs—these are career-defining moves that signal a new era for football in Pakistan. Let’s take a closer look at three standout transfers that are turning heads and opening doors for future talent.

Abdullah Iqbal – Sweden’s Mjällby Marvel

At just 21 years old, Abdullah Iqbal is being hailed as the defensive cornerstone of Pakistan’s future. Born in Denmark to Pakistani parents, Iqbal was already making waves in Scandinavian football when Swedish top-tier club Mjällby AIF signed him in August 2024. The deal, reportedly worth €200,000, reflects the high expectations placed on the young centre-back.

His composure, aerial ability, and leadership have quickly made him a first-team regular. Iqbal’s move is more than a personal achievement—it’s a signal to European clubs that Pakistani talent is worth investing in. With 16 caps for Pakistan, he's also expected to play a key role in upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Mohammad Fazal – Nordic United & Scandinavian Consistency

Another impressive story is that of Mohammad Fazal, a left-back who has built a solid career in Sweden. After starting out with Jönköpings Södra, Fazal joined Nordic United FC in 2023, establishing himself as a consistent presence in the Ettan Fotboll league.

His journey reflects the growing reputation of Pakistani players in Scandinavia. Although his 2024 transfer to Serbia’s FK IMT didn’t work out, Fazal returned to Nordic United with more experience under his belt. He made his senior debut for Pakistan in 2024 and has become a dependable option on the flanks.

Saddam Hussain – Breaking Ground in Finland

Saddam Hussain is no stranger to international football. With years of experience playing abroad—including stints in Iraq, Oman, and Kyrgyzstan—he added a new chapter in August 2025 by signing with Kajaanin Haka, a Finnish lower-tier club.

At 32, Saddam brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. His move also symbolizes the longevity and adaptability of Pakistani players, showing that even veterans can find success and new opportunities abroad.

These three players exemplify the courage and ambition needed to step beyond national borders. Their stories are inspiring a new generation of Pakistani footballers to dream bigger and reach higher.

Diaspora Power – Overseas Pakistanis Fueling the Game

One of the most exciting developments in Pakistan’s football scene isn’t just happening on home soil—it’s being driven by Pakistanis abroad. The diaspora has become a powerful engine, supplying top-tier talent to both club and national teams. These overseas-born or foreign-based players are bringing global experience, technical skills, and a renewed sense of pride to Pakistan’s football narrative.

Easah Suliman – The Azerbaijani Anchor

Born in England, Easah Suliman is one of the most high-profile diaspora stars to commit fully to Pakistan. Once captain of England’s U-19 team and a product of Aston Villa’s academy, Suliman has taken an unconventional route, playing in the Netherlands, Portugal, and now Azerbaijan with Sumgayit FK.

Since switching allegiance to Pakistan in 2023, Suliman has become a key figure—both as a solid centre-back and as a vocal leader on the pitch. His international experience gives Pakistan’s defense a level of organization and composure rarely seen before. Easah’s journey is a case study in how dual-nationality players can boost a national team’s performance and visibility

Haris Zeb – Making History at FIFA Club World Cup

In mid-2025, Haris Zeb made headlines as the first Pakistani-origin player to feature in the FIFA Club World Cup. Representing a club from New Zealand, Zeb’s appearance may have been brief, but its impact was massive. For many Pakistani fans, seeing someone with their heritage on football’s biggest stage was a surreal and emotional experience.

Though he’s not yet a part of Pakistan’s national setup, Zeb’s success could open the door for more scouting among Pakistani-origin players in Oceania and the Pacific. His achievement shows the depth of talent within the diaspora—often untapped, but full of potential.

Legends Who Paved the Way

Before the current stars, there were pioneers who carried the torch for Pakistani football abroad. Zesh Rehman, for instance, was the first British Asian to play in the English Premier League and later captained Pakistan. His professionalism and versatility inspired countless players to believe they could succeed abroad.

Others like Kaleemullah Khan, Hassan Bashir, and Yousuf Butt have had successful stints in the US, Iraq, Denmark, and Thailand. While their careers may have lacked the limelight of Europe’s biggest leagues, their influence on Pakistani football culture is undeniable.

From making history in Europe to representing Pakistan on global stages, the diaspora is no longer just a support system—it’s the beating heart of the country’s football future.

Conclusion

The rise of Pakistani footballers making big moves abroad in 2025 marks more than just individual success stories—it signals a shift in Pakistan’s sporting identity. For too long, football in the country has been underfunded, overlooked, and underdeveloped. But now, thanks to the ambition and talent of both local and diaspora players, the narrative is changing—and fast.

Transfers like Abdullah Iqbal’s move to Sweden’s Mjällby, Mohammad Fazal’s consistency in Nordic United, and Saddam Hussain’s veteran leadership in Finland show that Pakistani players are no longer limited by borders or outdated stereotypes. They’re being scouted, signed, and celebrated for their skill, professionalism, and adaptability.

At the same time, diaspora stars such as Easah Suliman and Haris Zeb are pushing boundaries on international stages, proving that Pakistani heritage and football excellence can go hand in hand. These players bring with them not only experience from top leagues but also a fresh vision for what Pakistani football can become.

Now is the time for fans, clubs, and governing bodies in Pakistan to support this momentum. Investing in youth academies, strengthening domestic leagues, and building stronger ties with the diaspora can accelerate this progress. The world is watching—and Pakistan has never been in a better position to shine.

⚽ So here’s the question: who will be the next Pakistani footballer to break through abroad?

Let’s celebrate the ones who already have—and keep an eye on those who are ready to follow.