Etzaz Hussain

Etzaz Muzafar Hussain is a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. Born in Norway, he represented the Pakistan national team during his international career.

Early life and education

Hussain was born in Oslo on 27 January 1993. He began his football journey as a youth player for the nearby club Langhus. His talent led to a significant move when he transferred to Manchester United on 21 February 2009. He signed a professional contract with the English club on his 17th birthday.

Although he spent two years in England, he did not receive opportunities for the first team. He later told the Norwegian newspaper VG that the period served as a life experience. He encouraged other young Norwegians to accept such opportunities if they arise.

Career

Hussain returned to Norway in January 2011 to sign with Vålerenga. Disagreements regarding his future led him to sign for Fredrikstad less than three months later. On 14 August 2011, he scored a match-winning goal in overtime to send Fredrikstad to the Norwegian Football Cup semi-final. This goal came against Molde, which was then managed by his former Manchester United reserve coach, Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

He moved to Molde FK on 27 July 2012 to reunite with Solskjær. During his first season, he won the Tippeligaen title. His tenure at Molde included multiple successes across two different spells. He secured league titles in 2012, 2014, 2019 and 2022. He also won the Norwegian Cup in 2013, 2014 and the 2021–22 edition.

On 7 January 2016, Hussain signed a 2.5-year contract with the Turkish side Sivasspor. The club suffered relegation to the second division, resulting in the mutual termination of his contract on 4 July 2016. He then moved to the Croatian club Rudeš in October 2016. After returning to Molde in February 2017, he was temporarily loaned to Odd in August 2017.

Hussain achieved historic milestones during his time with Molde. On 11 July 2019, he scored the sixth goal in a 7–1 victory over KR during the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round. This achievement made him the first Pakistani footballer to play in the Europa League. He later scored a brace against Haugesund in an Eliteserien match on 20 October 2019.

In January 2023, he joined the Cypriot club Apollon Limassol as a free agent. He wore the number 18 shirt and made his league debut on 9 February 2023. His contract with the club was terminated by mutual consent on 8 January 2024. He returned to Odd on 25 February 2024 to continue his professional career.

Regarding his international career, Hussain played for Norway at the youth level. He declared his intention to play for Pakistan in October 2021 and received his Pakistani passport on 2 January 2024. While he reportedly declined to play for the national team in March 2024, FIFA approved his request to change sports citizenship on 10 September 2025. He made his debut for Pakistan on 9 October 2025 against Afghanistan. He scored his first international goal in the return match on 14 October 2025.

Personal life

Hussain has discussed his Pakistani heritage during various interviews. Both of his parents originate from Kharian, which is located in the Gujrat district of Pakistan. He was honored by the Pakistani government at the embassy in Oslo on 14 August 2021 during Independence Day celebrations.

Awards and recognition

Hussain is one of the most successful players in the history of Molde. He holds the record as the joint most decorated player for the club with seven trophies. He shares this distinction with Daniel Berg Hestad. His major honors include four Eliteserien titles and three Norwegian Cup titles.