Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been honoured in a surprising and special way by FIFA. The official FIFA World Cup Instagram account recently posted an image featuring Afridi alongside global football legends Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and Luka Modrić. The post was simply captioned: “The iconic,” highlighting athletes known for wearing the number 10 jersey.
While Afridi is not a footballer, this recognition shows how popular and influential he has become around the world. It marks a rare and exciting moment where cricket and football two very different sports come together on the global stage.
According to sources, FIFA included Shaheen Afridi in the post as part of a plan to connect more closely with fans in Pakistan before the next World Cup. Their digital media teams are working on creating country-specific content to attract more local engagement.
Shaheen Afridi has earned a strong reputation in international cricket. Recently, he led Lahore Qalandars to their third Pakistan Super League (PSL) title, showing great leadership and performance. His energy, passion, and dedication have made him a fan favourite not just in Pakistan, but among cricket lovers worldwide.
Being featured by FIFA is a big moment in Afridi’s career. It shows that his impact goes beyond cricket. Whether it’s his sportsmanship, leadership, or star power, Shaheen is gaining recognition far beyond the cricket field even from organizations like FIFA that usually focus only on football.
