Masood Fakhri

Masood Fakhri (1932–6 September 2016) was a Pakistani professional footballer who played as a forward. A former Pakistani international, Fakhri was well known for his time with Indian Kolkata clubs East Bengal and Mohammedan. He also played in England with Bradford City before retiring.

Masood Fakhri
Personal information
Full name Masood Fakhri
Date of birth 1932
Place of birth Toba Tek Singh, British India
Date of death 6 September 2016(2016-09-06) (aged 83–84)
Place of death Bangor, Wales
Position(s) Forward
Youth career
Pakistan Raiders Club
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1952–1954 East Bengal
1955–1956 Mohammedan
1956–1957 Bradford City 0 (0)
National team
1952–1956 Pakistan
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Career

Born in Toba Tek Singh, Pakistan, Fakhri began his career in his home country with Pakistan Raiders Club.[1] In 1952, Fakhri moved to India and signed with Calcutta Football League side East Bengal. During his first season with the club Fakhri helped his side win the Calcutta Football League and the Durand Cup.[1] Fakhri also scored the winning goals in his first two matches against East Bengal's biggest rivals, Mohun Bagan, and thus became a fan favorite among East Bengal supporters.[1] Fakhri was also part of the East Bengal side to play tournament and friendly matches in Romania and the Soviet Union.[1]

In 1955, Fakhri signed with another Kolkata club, Mohammedan. In 1956 he helped Mohammedan win the Rovers Cup.[1]

On 8 August 1956 Fakhri moved to England to sign with Bradford City. After playing one season with the club, he retired from professional football.[1]

International

Fakhri had represented Pakistan at international level. He was the first footballer from South Asia to score a hattrick when he did so during the 1954 Asian Games against Singapore.[2]

Post-retirement

After retiring from football, Fakhri lived out the rest of his life living in Wales.[1]

References
  1. Sarmah, Bhargab (17 September 2016). "Masood Fakhri: Pakistan's Football Wizard Who Captivated Kolkata Maidan". NDTV Sports. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  2. Bhattacharya, Nilesh (13 September 2016). "Masood Fakhri, ex-East Bengal football star from Pakistan, no more". Times of India. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
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