While the world watches the FIFA World Cup, few know that a Pakistani footballer once became a hero across the border in India.
Born in Toba Tek Singh in 1932, Masood Fakhri emerged as one of Pakistan’s brightest football talents while playing for Pakistan Raiders Club in Lahore. In 1952, at just 20 years old, he made a bold move by signing for East Bengal in Kolkata, only a few years after Partition.
Fakhri quickly won over the fans. In his debut season, East Bengal lifted the Calcutta Football League, Durand Cup, and DCM Trophy. He also scored the winning goals in his first two Kolkata derbies against Mohun Bagan, instantly cementing his place in club folklore.
His success continued on the international stage. At the 1954 Asian Games in Manila, Fakhri scored Pakistan’s first-ever hat-trick in a 6-2 win over Singapore. He also found the net against India and Myanmar during his international career.
In 1956, Fakhri broke new ground by signing for Bradford City in England, becoming one of the earliest Pakistanis to play professional football in the country.
After retiring in 1957, he settled in Wales and lived a quiet life until his passing in 2016. Long before Pakistan produced modern football stars, Masood Fakhri had already earned his place as the nation’s first football superstar.
Comments
See what people are discussing