FIFA Honors Shaheen Shah Afridi Among Global Sports Icons
In an unprecedented move, FIFA has paid tribute to Pakistani cricketer Shaheen Shah Afridi by featuring him alongside football legends Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and Luka Modrić in a social media post. This gesture highlights athletes associated with the iconic number 10 jersey, emphasizing Afridi’s international recognition beyond cricket.
On Tuesday, FIFA’s World Cup Instagram account posted an image of Afridi with these football superstars, captioned “The iconic.” While Afridi is renowned for his cricketing prowess, his inclusion in this tribute marks a significant crossover into global sports fame.
Fans believe this initiative is part of a strategic effort to boost fan engagement in Pakistan ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place in the United States. Reports indicate that localized campaigns are being developed to connect with sports enthusiasts in diverse regions.
This recognition coincides with a peak in Afridi’s cricket career. The 25-year-old fast bowler led Lahore Qalandars to their third HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) title, cementing his status as the most successful captain in the league’s history. Afridi’s team successfully chased 202 runs to defeat Quetta Gladiators in the final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, with Sikandar Raza securing the win with a six and a four in the final over, leaving one ball to spare.
As the only captain to win consecutive HBL PSL titles in 2022 and 2023, Afridi now holds the distinction of winning the trophy three times—more than any other captain in the competition.
Leading Captains in HBL PSL History
Shaheen Afridi (Lahore Qalandars) – 3
Misbah-ul-Haq (Islamabad United) – 1
Darren Sammy (Peshawar Zalmi) – 1
JP Duminy (Islamabad United) – 1
Sarfaraz Ahmed (Quetta Gladiators) – 1
Imad Wasim (Karachi Kings) – 1
Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans) – 1
Shadab Khan (Islamabad United) – 1
FIFA’s tribute elevates Afridi into an elite group, enhancing his status as a globally recognized athlete across multiple sports.
| Player | Sport | Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Cricket | FIFA Tribute |
| Lionel Messi | Football | Global Icon |
| Neymar Jr. | Football | Global Icon |
| Luka Modrić | Football | Global Icon |
Why did FIFA feature Shaheen Shah Afridi?
FIFA featured Shaheen Shah Afridi to acknowledge his global sporting influence and to engage fans in Pakistan ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
What achievements has Shaheen Afridi accomplished in cricket?
Shaheen Afridi has led Lahore Qalandars to three HBL PSL titles, making him the most successful captain in the league’s history.
Who are the other athletes featured alongside Afridi?
The other athletes featured alongside Afridi are football legends Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and Luka Modrić.
