Pakistan football has received a major boost as FIFA approves the change of sporting nationality for midfielder Etzaz Hussain. 

 

The 32-year-old, who once played alongside Erling Haaland at Molde FK, completed the switch after receiving confirmation from FIFA earlier this week.

 

Hussain secured a Pakistani passport earlier this year and had already expressed his dream of representing the Green Shirts. One of the most decorated players in Norwegian football, he has won four Eliteserien league titles and three Norwegian Cups with Molde, making him one of the club’s most successful players with seven trophies.

 

Over his career, Hussain has made nearly 300 professional appearances. His journey includes spells in Turkey with Sivasspor, Croatia with NK Rudeš, Cyprus with Apollon Limassol and most recently with Norwegian side Odd.

 

Born in Oslo to parents from Kharian, Gujrat, Hussain began his football career at Langhus before joining Manchester United’s youth academy in 2009. Although he never broke into the first team, he called his time at Old Trafford “an experience for life”.

 

He made his professional debut with Fredrikstad in 2011 and went on to play a crucial role at Molde under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, scoring in both domestic and European competitions. He also represented Norway at youth levels up to U23 but remained eligible for Pakistan as he never played senior competitive football for Norway.

 

With his eligibility now confirmed, Hussain is expected to bring much-needed experience and stability to Pakistan’s midfield ahead of international fixtures.

 

“This is a very important development for Pakistan football,” reports quoted an official as saying. “Having a player of Etzaz Hussain’s caliber and experience will inspire the team and fans alike.”

 

Hussain has often spoken with pride about his Pakistani heritage and was honoured by the Pakistan Embassy in Oslo during Independence Day celebrations in 2021.