In a remarkable gesture, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has honoured Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi by featuring him alongside football legends in a social media post.
The official FIFA World Cup Instagram account shared an image of Afridi alongside some of football’s biggest names — Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and Luka Modric — all of whom famously sport the iconic number 10 jersey. The caption read simply, “The iconic,” celebrating these legendary athletes who have worn the famed number.
This move by FIFA is seen as a strategic effort to engage fans in Pakistan ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Local digital teams are reportedly working on initiatives to boost fan interaction through specially tailored campaigns across different countries, including Pakistan.
The tribute underlines Afridi’s growing influence and international stature as an athlete, placing him symbolically among the global sports greats associated with the iconic number 10.
Afridi’s sporting achievements only add to his legendary status. Under his leadership, Lahore Qalandars clinched victory in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10. In a thrilling final against Quetta Gladiators at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Qalandars chased down a target of 202 runs. Sikandar Raza’s heroics in the final over — a four and a six — sealed the win with just one ball to spare.
This triumph further cements Afridi’s place in PSL history as the most successful captain. Not only is he the only skipper to have won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, but he also becomes the first captain to lift the PSL trophy three times. At just 25 years old, Afridi’s leadership and consistent success have set him apart from all other PSL captains, none of whom have managed to secure the title more than once.
Afridi’s recognition by FIFA highlights his growing global profile, bridging the worlds of cricket and football while uniting fans across different sporting cultures.
