Pakistan football has received a significant boost with FIFA’s approval of midfielder Etzaz Hussain’s change of sporting nationality, allowing the Norway-born player to represent the national team.

The 32-year-old, who previously played alongside striker Erling Haaland at Molde FK, completed the formal switch following FIFA’s confirmation earlier this week.

Hussain obtained a Pakistani passport in early 2024 and has expressed his desire to don the green jersey.

One of the most accomplished players in Norwegian football, Hussain has won four Eliteserien league titles and three Norwegian Cups with Molde, making him one of the club’s most successful players with seven total trophies.

Throughout his career, he has made nearly 300 professional appearances, including stints in Turkey with Sivasspor, Croatia with NK Rudeš, Cyprus with Apollon Limassol, and most recently with the Norwegian second-tier club Odd.

Born in Oslo in 1993 to parents from Kharian, Gujrat, Hussain began his football journey at Langhus before joining Manchester United’s youth academy in 2009. Although he did not make the first team at Old Trafford, he described his experience there as “an experience for life.” He made his professional debut with Fredrikstad in 2011, scoring a crucial goal in the Norwegian Cup that same year.

At Molde, Hussain reunited with Ole Gunnar Solskjær and became a key player in the club’s domestic success, contributing goals in both league and European competitions. He has represented Norway at youth levels from U16 to U23 but remained eligible for Pakistan, as he never played for Norway in senior competitive matches.

With his eligibility now confirmed, Hussain is expected to bring valuable experience and stability to Pakistan’s midfield, enhancing the squad ahead of upcoming international fixtures.

“This is a very important development for Pakistan football,” stated a Pakistan Football official. “Having a player of Etzaz Hussain’s caliber and experience will inspire both the team and the fans.”

Hussain has previously expressed pride in his Pakistani heritage and was honored by the Pakistan embassy in Oslo during Independence Day celebrations in 2021.