Zidane Iqbal has become the first player of Pakistani heritage to feature at the FIFA World Cup.
Zidane made history when he came onto the field in the 59th minute as a substitute for Iraq. This happened during Iraq’s 4–1 loss against Norway at Boston Stadium in Foxborough.
Erling Haaland scored a brace on his World Cup debut as Norway claimed a dominant victory over Iraq in their Group I match.
Zidane’s father is from Pakistan, while his mother is an Iraqi.
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The former Manchester United midfielder, during an interview, shared that he was “surprised” when he found out about the honor and immediately told his dad about the prospect, whom he hailed as a pivotal figure in shaping his professional career.
“To be honest, I didn’t even know it myself,” Zidane Iqbal told that “I followed the account that posted it [that he was the first player of Pakistani heritage to play at a men’s World Cup] and sent it to my dad straight away. I think we were both surprised. When I tried to qualify for the World Cup with Iraq, I didn’t think of anything like this.
“My dad is Pakistani. He’s my father, the man I respect the most in my life, who helped me so much in my career.
“I play for Iraq, grew up in England, but my dad was born in Pakistan. My grandad was a first-generation there, so I have a lot of respect for that side of my family.”
Iqbal said that he is proud to play for both Pakistan and Iraq. That’s why he will put both countries’ flags on his football shoes when he plays.
He also explained that he respects both sides of his family and feels connected to both countries.
“I wear the Iraqi flag on my left side and the Pakistani flag on my right side,” he said. “I think that’s because I respect both sides.
“When people ask me what I feel more connected to, I can’t answer. For me, they’re both equal. It’s about respect and something I carry with a lot of pride.”
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