This 12-year-old footballer from Karachi will inspire you
“I want to be a great footballer like Kylian Mbappé,” says Adeel Hanif, a 12-year-old footballer hailing from Lyari, a place known for both its political challenges as well as love for football.
In this interview with VCast, Hanif and his coach, Shaikh Hamdan, share an inspiring story of passion, perseverance, and the opportunities that can change a young athlete’s life. From playing in the streets to representing his academy abroad, Hanif’s journey is a reminder that big dreams can start small.
Hanif had lost his father at a young age and did not have access to formal education. A turning point came when the Karachi United team spotted him during a monthly scouting trip. Though he lacked technical abilities, his speed, control, hunger for the game, and raw talent were impossible to ignore.
His mother was initially hesitant to let him play, urging him to focus on his education, but Hanif’s determination eventually won her over. She now happily supports his pursuit of football on the condition that he continues his studies alongside it.
Once he joined the Karachi United Academy, Hanif’s progress was rapid. Recognizing his potential, the coaches made him a permanent member and also enrolled him in school for the first time.
Over time, Hanif also emerged as a quiet yet influential leader, reserved in front of the coach but consistently motivating his teammates and keeping the squad united, so he was made captain of the squad.
At Karachi United, Hanif and his peers learn more than just football. As his coach Hamdan mentions, the academy teaches life skills to help children develop their personality, communication, and confidence. It also encourages creativity through painting and casual play days to ensure that kids still enjoy being children. According to Hamdan, every good coach balances discipline with fun, understanding that even the most passionate kids occasionally need a break.
Beyond the pitch, Hamdan shares a warm and trusting bond with Hanif and the other players, often checking on their well-being, joking around with them, and learning Balochi words from them was well. These small interactions build rapport and develop a brotherly relationship between him and the young players, which he thinks is “very necessary for any developing athlete.”
Hanif, in particular, is now a “point of reference” for coach Hamdan: Hanif dictates the tempo of the game and even encourages other players to reach out to Hamdan when they need help. Hamdan and the Karachi United team see Hanif’s potential clearly:
“We absolutely, 100% believe in him, and if he sticks to the right path, one day he has a chance to go abroad. Not saying big things like Madrid or Barcelona, but he has got a big chance.”
Hanif’s dedication and hard work also earned him a place in the team chosen for an international tournament in Doha at the prestigious Aspire Academy, an elite, government-funded sports hub that develops national-level athletes and hosts football giants like Manchester United and Real Madrid.
The desire to prove themselves abroad also made Hanif and his peers train harder. In that first trip to Doha, Hanif’s squad was tied with the top squad and lost only based on goal difference—showing how far these young boys had come.
Hanif’s journey in particular highlights not only personal growth through hard work but also the power of community support and structured training in transforming raw talent into real potential.
How can we give every child with Adeel Hanif’s passion the chance to shine? How different could the future of sports in Pakistan look then? Drop your thoughts below.
This article was developed using AI assistance tools.
