FIFA honored Pakistani pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi in a social media tribute, putting him together with football legends Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and Luka Modrić in an image marking the occasion of international sportspersons affiliated with the legendary number 10 jersey.
FIFA’s official Instagram handle shared a photo on Tuesday showcasing Afridi with three of the sport’s biggest stars—Messi, Neymar and Modrić—captioned, “The iconic.”
Though fans mostly know Afridi for his cricketing performances, his appearance in the tribute shows how he has crossed into global sporting recognition.
Interestingly, such accolades align Afridi with sporting legends. It is the first crossover between cricket and football and emphasis on the fast bowler’s growing reputation on the world stage of sport.
The purpose of FIFA’s post, according to sources, is to rally the Pakistani base for the World Cup.
Sources indicate that FIFA’s local digital staff actively engage with fans on social media across various countries.
Throughout the international sporting world, this unusual acknowledgment from a worldwide football platform has mirrored Shaheen’s increasing prominence.
He now joins the ranks of legendary players associated with the iconic number 10 jersey.
Besides, Afridi recently won a record-breaking third PSL championship as the captain of Lahore Qalandars. His fans love him as the man who loves to be loved playing cricket.
Afridi was one of the first ones to rush onto the ground to rejoice with his team when Sikandar Raza hit the winning runs for Lahore Qalandars.
