Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has earned global recognition after being featured by FIFA alongside football legends Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, and Luka Modrić. In a recent Instagram post, the official FIFA World Cup account celebrated athletes associated with the iconic number 10 jersey, captioning the image simply as: “The iconic.”
This rare crossover between cricket and football highlights Afridi’s soaring international profile. While not a footballer, his inclusion in this lineup places him in elite sporting company and reflects his growing popularity beyond cricket. Sources suggest FIFA’s post aims to mobilize Pakistani fan engagement ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Shaheen recently led Lahore Qalandars to a historic third PSL title, further cementing his legacy. Known for his passion and charisma on the field, he was among the first to celebrate with teammates during the final victory moment. His presence on FIFA’s global platform signals his rising status as a beloved sports icon.