FIFA has paid tribute to Pakistani pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, featuring him alongside football greats Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and Luka Modrić in a social media post celebrating global athletes associated with the iconic number 10 jersey.
The FIFA World Cup Instagram account posted an image on Tuesday highlighting Afridi with three of football’s biggest stars—Messi, Neymar and Modrić—under the caption, “The iconic.”
While Afridi is known for his performances on the cricket field, his inclusion in the tribute signifies a crossover of global sporting recognition.
There is speculation online from fans that the gesture was part of a wider effort to increase fan engagement in Pakistan ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, set to take place in the US.
Localised campaigns are reportedly in development to connect with sports fans across different regions.
The recognition comes during a high point in Afridi’s cricketing career.
The 25-year-old fast bowler led Lahore Qalandars to a third HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) title, making him the most successful captain in the league’s history.
Afridi’s Qalandars chased down 202 to defeat Quetta Gladiators in the final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Sikandar Raza secured the win with a six and a four in the final over, finishing the match with one ball to spare.
Already the only captain to claim consecutive HBL PSL titles in 2022 and 2023, Afridi now holds the distinction of lifting the trophy three times—more than any other captain in the competition.
Captains with most HBL PSL titles:
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Shaheen Afridi (Lahore Qalandars) – 3
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Misbah-ul-Haq (Islamabad United) – 1
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Darren Sammy (Peshawar Zalmi) – 1
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JP Duminy (Islamabad United) – 1
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Sarfaraz Ahmed (Quetta Gladiators) – 1
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Imad Wasim (Karachi Kings) – 1
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Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans) – 1
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Shadab Khan (Islamabad United) – 1
FIFA’s post places Afridi in elite company, furthering his rise as a globally recognised athlete across sporting codes.
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