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Kaleemullah Khan

Kaleemullah Khan is a Pakistani former professional footballer and former national team captain, widely regarded as one of the finest players Pakistan has ever produced. Born in Chaman, Balochistan, he became the first Pakistani footballer to play and score in the United States and the first to score 100 career goals in club competitions, going on to represent Pakistan across nearly a decade internationally. He represents pioneering global reach, footballing excellence from an underserved region, and continued off-field leadership in Pakistani football governance.

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Kaleemullah Khan Biography Pakistan Football Legend Career

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Kaleemullah Khan emerged as one of the leading contenders for the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) presidency in early 2025, following the PFF Congress's move toward new elections and the lifting of FIFA's suspension on Pakistani football.

However, in April 2025, he officially withdrew from the PFF presidential race, opening the field to other candidates despite having been vocal for years about the need for structural reform and athlete-led governance in Pakistani football.

Beyond administration, he has continued to be an influential voice in Pakistani football, having previously helped arrange interest from European clubs for potential friendly tours of Pakistan, reflecting his ongoing behind-the-scenes advocacy for the sport's growth.

Career Highlights

2017–2019
European & Middle Eastern Career
European & Middle Eastern Career
He continued his international club career across Turkey (SerhatArdahanspor, Igdirspor, Araklıspor) and Iraq (Al-Najaf, Zakho SC), further expanding his global footballing footprint before retiring as a free agent in 2021.
2015
USL Move to the United States
USL Move to the United States
Kaleemullah signed with Sacramento Republic FC and later the Tulsa Roughnecks in the United States Soccer League, becoming the first Pakistani footballer ever to play and score in the US.
2014
National Team Captaincy
National Team Captaincy
He was named captain of the Pakistan national team, cementing his status as one of the country's most important footballing figures both on and off the pitch.
2014
Move to Dordoi Bishkek
Move to Dordoi Bishkek
Kaleemullah signed with Kyrgyz club Dordoi Bishkek, scoring 20 goals in 22 matches and helping the team win a treble — the league title, league cup, and super cup — while being named the Kyrgyzstan League's Best Player and top goalscorer.
2011
Pakistan National Team Debut
Pakistan National Team Debut
He earned his first call-up to the Pakistan national team, beginning an international career that would span nearly a decade and include the national team captaincy.
2009–2014
Khan Research Laboratories (KRL)
Khan Research Laboratories (KRL)
A product of KRL's youth system, Kaleemullah broke into the first team in 2009, scoring 72 goals in 94 appearances and helping the club win four Pakistan Premier League titles, including a record-setting 31-goal season in 2012-13.

Personal Life

Early Life

Full Name:Kaleemullah Khan

Birthdate: 20 September 1992

Birthplace/Hometown: Chaman, Balochistan, Pakistan

Background: Began playing for his school team at Government High School Chaman. His parents initially did not support his interest in football due to the lack of infrastructure and support for the sport in Pakistan, but came around after he signed his first contract with AFC Chaman.

Education

Schooling: Attended and played for Government High School Chaman, where his footballing journey began.

Awards and Honours

  • Pakistan Premier League Champion — 2009
  • Pakistan Premier League Champion — 2011
  • Pakistan Premier League Champion — 2012
  • Pakistan Premier League Champion — 2013
  • Pakistan Premier League Top Goalscorer — 2012
  • Pakistan Premier League Best Player — 2013
  • PFF Player of the Year — 2013
  • Kyrgyzstan League Champion — 2014
  • Kyrgyzstan League Top Goalscorer — 2014
  • Kyrgyzstan League Best Player — 2014
  • Kyrgyzstan Cup Winner — 2014
  • Kyrgyzstan Super Cup Winner — 2014
  • Ala-Too Cup Winner — 2015
  • First Pakistani footballer to score in the United States
  • First Pakistani footballer to reach 100 career club goals

Family & Personal Life

Marital Status: Not publicly documented.

Family: His brother, Attaullah Khan, serves as the District Chaman president of the PML(N), reflecting a family with local political and community standing in Balochistan.

Values: A vocal advocate for structural reform in Pakistani football, having pushed for greater athlete representation and involvement in the sport’s governance.

Lifestyle

Impact & Influence:

Kaleemullah Khan is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Pakistani football history, known for pioneering the country’s presence in international leagues across the US, Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Post-Playing Involvement:

Has remained deeply engaged in Pakistani football administration, including a serious bid for the PFF presidency and organizing football events with support from prominent public figures.

Recognition:

Received the Pakistan Football Federation’s Player of the Year award, alongside individual honors including Kyrgyzstan League Best Player.

Advocacy:

Has worked to attract international teams for friendly matches in Pakistan, leveraging his personal connections from his playing career abroad.

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FAQ's

Who is Kaleemullah Khan?

Kaleemullah Khan is a former Pakistani professional footballer and national team captain, widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest players.

He’s famous for being the first Pakistani footballer to score in the United States and the first to score 100 career club goals.

Yes, he was named captain of the Pakistan national team in 2014, a role he held during a key period of his international career.

Yes, though retired as a player since 2021, he remains active in Pakistani football administration, having contested and later withdrawn from the 2025 PFF presidential race.

Kaleemullah Khan Says:

“My motivation here was to let this become an inspiration for the young footballers To let them know that although this is not easy it is achievable to be a Pakistani footballer and score goals abroad.”

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