Etzaz Hussain Gains Approval to Represent Pakistan’s National Football Team

Pakistan’s football community is celebrating a significant development as FIFA has sanctioned the change in sporting nationality for midfielder Etzaz Hussain. This approval now allows the Norway-born player to compete for the Pakistan national team.

Hussain, aged 32, once shared the field with prominent striker Erling Haaland during his tenure at Molde FK. He finalized his nationality switch after receiving confirmation from FIFA this week.

Having secured his Pakistani passport earlier in 2024, Hussain had previously voiced his enthusiasm to represent Pakistan on the international stage.

A distinguished figure in Norwegian football, Hussain’s accomplishments include four Eliteserien league titles and three Norwegian Cups with Molde. He shares the honor of being the club’s most decorated player, with a total of seven trophies.

Throughout his career, Hussain has participated in nearly 300 professional matches, including spells in Turkey with Sivasspor, in Croatia with NK Rudeš, in Cyprus with Apollon Limassol, and recently in Norway’s second-tier league with Odd.

Born in Oslo in 1993 to parents hailing from Kharian, Gujrat, Hussain’s football journey commenced at Langhus before he joined Manchester United’s youth academy in 2009.

Despite not progressing to the first team at Manchester United, he has described his time with the club as “an invaluable experience”. He initiated his professional career with Fredrikstad in 2011, marking his debut with a crucial goal in the Norwegian Cup that same year.

Upon joining Molde, Hussain reunited with Ole Gunnar Solskjær and became instrumental in the club’s domestic triumphs, scoring goals in both league matches and European competitions.

While he has represented Norway at youth levels ranging from U16 to U23, Hussain remained eligible to play for Pakistan, as he never competed for Norway at the senior competitive level.

With his eligibility now formally recognized, it is anticipated that Hussain will inject experience and stability into Pakistan’s midfield, enhancing the team’s capabilities in forthcoming international matches.

According to a Pakistan Football official, “This is a crucial step forward for Pakistan football. Securing a player of Etzaz Hussain’s experience and skill will undoubtedly motivate both the team and its supporters.”

Hussain has frequently expressed pride in his Pakistani heritage and received recognition from the Pakistan embassy in Oslo during Independence Day festivities in 2021.