Ghayas Zahid

Early years

Zahid was born in Oslo to Pakistani parents. He played for Klemetsrud IF before he joined Vålerenga as a youth. Zahid made his debut for Vålerenga on 10 August 2012, in a 3–1 win against Odd.

Ullensaker/Kisa (loan)

Zahid was loaned out to Adeccoligaen club Ullensaker/Kisa for the second half of the 2013 season. He made 10 appearances during his loan spell.

APOEL

On 31 August 2017, it was announced that APOEL had secured Zahid's signature on a four-year contract until the end of May 2021, for an undisclosed transfer fee from Vålerenga. Zahid made his debut in the third round of the Cypriot First Division against Nea Salamis. Ghayas Zahid debuted in the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League for APOEL at Santiago Bernabéu where they lost 3–0 against last campaign's champions, Real Madrid. Following the match, Zahid became the first footballer of Pakistani descent to feature in the Champions League. Zahid was in the starting line-up and played full 90 minutes for the remaining five games in Group H against Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund as well as the second leg against Real Madrid. On 17 November Zahid scored twice in the Nicosia derby in a 3–1 win against arch rivals Omonia.

Panathinaikos (loan)

On 23 July 2019, Panathinaikos announced the arrival of Zahid on loan from APOEL, with a purchase option of €1.6 million for the summer of 2020. The option was not triggered, and at the end of the season, he also left APOEL as his…

Zahid represented Norway at youth level. In an interview with Aftenposten in July 2014, and in another discussion in 2017 after playing in the Champions League, Zahid had declared his intention to play for Pakistan. In 2018, Zahid also cited his intention to play at the highest level at Norway with Pakistan as a backup choice. In March 2018, the Pakistan Football Federation contacted Zahid's former club Valerenga, only to be told that he had since left for APOEL. Zahid's father also preferred him to play for his country of origin, if the Pakistani passport was issued in due course. Zahid eventually opted for Norway after being called up for a friendly against Panama. On 6 June 2018, Zahid made his first appearance for Norway against Panama as a substitute in the 89th minute. He scored a goal on his second appearance against Austria in a 1–1 draw during the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League B.

Club

As of 15 September 2026

International

Scores and results list the Norway's goal tally first. Score column indicates score after each Zahid goal.

Zahid's family originate from the city of Lalamusa in Pakistan. He is fluent in Norwegian and Urdu. He is the first footballer of Pakistani descent to feature in the UEFA Champions League, after playing against Real Madrid in 2017.