Etzaz Hussain

Etzaz Hussain

Hussain with Molde in 2022
Personal information
Full name	Etzaz Muzafar Hussain
Date of birth	(1993-01-27) 27 January 1993 (age 31)
Place of birth	Oslo, Norway
Height	1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s)	Midfielder
Team information
Current team	Odd
Number	8
Youth career
000?–2009	Langhus
2009–2011	Manchester United
2011	Vålerenga
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2011–2012	Fredrikstad	32	(5)
2012–2015	Molde	78	(6)
2016	Sivasspor	8	(0)
2016	NK Rudeš	3	(0)
2017–2023	Molde	124	(22)
2017	→ Odd (loan)	11	(3)
2023–2024	Apollon Limassol	7	(0)
2024–	Odd	1	(0)
International career‡
2008–2009	Norway U16	9	(2)
2009–2010	Norway U17	10	(0)
2010–2011	Norway U18	10	(2)
2011–2012	Norway U19	11	(0)
2012–2013	Norway U21	8	(3)
2013	Norway U23	1	(0)
Medal record Molde Winner Tippeligaen 2012 Winner Norwegian Football Cup 2013 Winner Tippeligaen 2014 Winner Norwegian Football Cup 2014 Winner Eliteserien 2019 Winner Eliteserien 2022 Winner Norwegian Football Cup 2021–22
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 31 March 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 15 October 2013

Etzaz Muzafar Hussain (born 27 January 1993) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Eliteserien club Odd. With 295 total appearances, four Eliteserien league and three Norwegian Cup titles with Molde, he is one of the most successful footballers for Molde, where he is the joint most decorated player with 7 trophies along with Daniel Berg Hestad. He is also considered one of the most successful Pakistani footballers, being the first Pakistani footballer to play in the Europa League. ^{[1] [2]}

Born in Oslo, he played for nearby Langhus as a youth player, before moving to Manchester United in 2009. After two years in England, he returned to Norway with Vålerenga, but shortly after moved to Fredrikstad, where he made his professional debut. Hussain transferred to Molde in mid-2012 and won the Tippeligaen in his first season at the club. After winning four league titles and three Norwegian Cups with Molde across two spells, he moved to Apollon Limassol as a free agent in January 2023.

Club career

Early years

Hussain played for Langhus in his early days, before he transferred to Manchester United on 21 February 2009, ^[3] and signed a professional contract with United on his 17th birthday. ^[4] Even though Hussain only stayed in England for two years, and did not get any chances for the first team, he said to the Norwegian newspaper VG in February 2012 that "it was an experience for life" and would advice other Norwegian youngster to grab the opportunity if they had the chance. ^[5] In January 2011 he returned home to Norway, and signed for the Tippeligaen club Vålerenga. ^[6]

Fredrikstad

Less than three months later, Hussain signed for Fredrikstad, also a Tippeligaen club, ^[7] after some disagreements between Vålerenga and Hussain on the way forward. ^[8] On 14 August 2011, Hussain sent Fredrikstad to the semi-final of 2011 Norwegian Football Cup with the match-winning goal with only a couple of minutes left of the overtime, at the expense of Molde now managed by his former boss at the Manchester United reserves, Ole Gunnar Solskjær. ^[9] On 31 October 2011, Hussain scored his second goal in two matches, with the match winning goal against Vålerenga, the club that believed he was not good enough for Tippeligaen. ^[10]

Molde

On 27 July 2012, Hussain moved to Molde FK, reuniting with Ole Gunnar Solskjær. ^[11] He won the league with Molde in 2012 and 2014 and the Norwegian Cup in 2013 and 2014.

Sivasspor

On 7 January 2016, Hussain signed a 2.5-year contract with Turkish Süper Lig side Sivasspor. ^[12] With Sivasspor, Hussein was unable to avoid relegation to the second Turkish division. Following relegation, his contract at Sivasspor was terminated in mutual agreement on 4 July 2016. ^[13]

Rudeš Zagreb

Hussain signed for the second-tier Croatian side NK Rudeš, coached by the former Liverpool player Igor Bišćan, in October 2016. ^[14]

Return to Molde

Hussain with Molde at the 2018–19 UEFA Europa League during away and home legs against Zenit

On 28 February 2017, Molde announced that Hussain had returned to the club after the signing of Erling Haaland few days earlier. ^{[15] [16]} On 16 August 2017, Hussain was temporarily loaned to fellow Eliteserien club Odd for the rest of the year. ^{[17] [18] [19]}

On 11 July 2019, Hussain scored Molde's sixth goal in the club's UEFA competitions record 7–1 win over KR in the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round. ^[20] On 20 October 2019, he scored a brace in an Eliteserien game Molde won 3–1 over Haugesund. ^[21] The club ended being champions in the 2019 Eliteserien. On 31 January 2020, Hussain signed a new contract with Molde that will keep him at the club till the end of the 2022 season. ^[22] He subsequently won the 2021–22 Norwegian Cup. On 16 October 2022, his goal in the 96th minute against Lillestrøm in a 1–0 away win led Molde to win the 2022 Eliteserien title with four games left. ^{[23] [24]} After ending champions in the league, Hussain became the joint most decorated player for Molde with 7 trophies along with former player Daniel Berg Hestad.

Apollon Limassol

Following Hussain's release from Molde after winning the 2022 Eliteserien, Cypriot club Apollon Limassol announced on 20 January 2023 that the midfielder had reached an agreement to sign with the defending Cypriot league champions till May 2025. ^[25] On 24 January 2023, Etzaz Hussain formally signed with the Limassol club and chose to play with the number 18. ^[26] He made his league debut for the club on 9 February, coming on as a late substitute in the 4–3 home defeat to Karmiotissa. ^[27] On 8 January 2024, barely a full year since joining Apollon, the club announced the termination of Hussain's contract by mutual consent. ^[28]

Return to Odd

On 25 February 2024, Hussain returned to Odd this time on a contract basis. ^[29] He was presented as player of the club the next day. ^[30]

International career

Hussain played on youth level for Norway. As he has never appeared for Norway in a competitive match, he remains potentially eligible to represent Pakistan. In October 2021, he had declared his intention to play for Pakistan. ^[1] Around 2 years later on 2 January 2024, Hussain received his Pakistani passport. ^{[31] [32]}

Personal life

Born in Oslo, Hussain has discussed his Pakistani heritage in interviews. ^{[33] [1]} His both parents originate from the city of Kharian in the Gujrat district of Pakistan. ^[1] He was also honoured by the Pakistani government at its embassy in Oslo during the country’s Independence Day celebrations on 14 August 2021. ^[1]

Career statistics

As of match played 1 January 2024 ^{[34] [35]}

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			Cup		Europe		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Fredrikstad	2011	Tippeligaen	20	2	4	1	—		—		24	3
	2012		12	3	2	1	—		—		14	4
	Total		32	5	6	2	—		—	—	38	7
Molde	2012	Tippeligaen	10	2	2	0	8	0	—		20	2
	2013		22	2	6	1	3	0	—		31	3
	2014		19	1	6	0	2	0	—		27	1
	2015		27	1	3	0	11	2	—		41	3
	Total		78	6	17	1	24	2	—	—	119	9
Sivasspor	2015–16	Süper Lig	8	0	0	0	—		—		8	0
Rudeš	2016–17	FavBet Druga liga	3	0	1	0	—		—		4	0
Molde	2017	Eliteserien	13	1	4	1	—		—		17	2
	2018		23	5	2	0	7	1	—		32	6
	2019		15	4	2	0	8	1	0	0	25	5
	2020		28	8	0	0	11	2	0	0	39	10
	2021		27	2	1	0	4	1	0	0	32	3
	2022		18	2	3	0	9	2	0	0	30	4
	Total		135	22	13	1	39	7	0	0	187	30
Odd (loan)	2017	Eliteserien	11	3	0	0	0	0	—		11	3
Apollon Limassol	2022–23	Cypriot First Division	5	0	0	0	—		—		5	0
	2023–24		2	0	0	0	—		—		2	0
	Total		7	0	0	0	—		—		7	0
Odd	2024	Eliteserien	1	0	0	0	0	0	—		1	0
Career total			264	36	36	4	63	9	0	0	363	49

Honours

Molde

• Eliteserien: 2012, 2014, 2019, 2022
• Norwegian Cup: 2013, 2014, 2021–22

Records

• Molde player to have won seven domestic trophies along with Daniel Berg Hestad

References

1. "Exclusive: Etzaz Hussain ready for Pakistan". footballpakistan.com. FootballPakistan.Com (FPDC). 21 October 2021. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
2. Wasim, Umaid (9 November 2012). "Player of Pakistani origin lights up Europa League". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
3. "Norsk 16-åring klar for United". dagbladet.no (in Norwegian). Dagbladet. 27 January 2009. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2012.
4. "Hussain skrev proffkontrakt med Man. United". dagbladet.no (in Norwegian). Dagbladet. 27 January 2010. Archived from the original on 23 January 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2012.
5. "Slik gikk det med 2009-talentene som dro utenlands". vg.no (in Norwegian). Verdens Gang. 13 February 2012. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012. Retrieved 13 February 2012.
6. "Etzaz Hussain fra United til Vålerenga". tv2.no (in Norwegian). TV 2. 18 January 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2012.
7. "Etzaz Hussain klar for FFK". fredrikstadfk.no (in Norwegian). Fredrikstad FK. 17 March 2011. Archived from the original on 22 May 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2012.
8. "Her har FFK-talentet senket "sine egne"". vg.no (in Norwegian). Verdens Gang. 31 October 2011. Archived from the original on 25 February 2014. Retrieved 13 February 2012.
9. "Solskjærs læregutt sendte Molde ut av cupen". rbnett.no (in Norwegian). Romsdals Budstikke. 14 August 2011. Archived from the original on 8 July 2012. Retrieved 13 February 2012.
10. "Kastet ut, senket VIF". aftenposten.no (in Norwegian). Aftenposten. 31 October 2011. Archived from the original on 2 November 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2012.
11. "Fredrikstad selger Etzaz Hussain til Molde" (in Norwegian). tv2.no. 27 July 2012. Archived from the original on 15 April 2014. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
12. "Etzaz Hussain Medicana Sivasspor´da". www.sivasspor.org.tr (in Turkish). Sivasspor. 7 January 2016. Archived from the original on 27 August 2018. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
13. Etzaz Hussain at the Turkish Football Federation
14. NEVJEROJATNA VIJEST IZ ZAGREBAČKOG PREDGRAĐA Nakon Igora Bišćana, u mali Rudeš stiže igrač Manchester Uniteda koji je maestralno zabio Dinamu! Archived 17 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine at Jutarnji List
15. "ETZAZ BACK IN MOLDE FK". moldefk.no. Molde FK. 28 February 2017. Archived from the original on 1 March 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
16. "Håland klar for Molde FK". Molde (in Norwegian Bokmål). 1 February 2017. Archived from the original on 20 September 2019. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
17. "Etzaz Hussain er klar for Odd". Odd (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 26 February 2024.
18. NTB (16 August 2017). "Hussain leies ut fra Molde til Odd". www.abcnyheter.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 26 February 2024.
19. Knudsen, Sjur Øverås (16 August 2017). "Hussain klar for Odd". NRK (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 26 February 2024.
20. "Molde 7-1 KR". www.soccerway.com. Soccerway. 12 July 2019. Archived from the original on 17 July 2019. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
21. "Molde 3-1 Haugesund". www.soccerway.com. Soccerway. 20 October 2019. Archived from the original on 4 June 2019. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
22. "Hussain tilbake i Molde: -Har skrevet under for tre år". vg.no. Verdens Gang. 31 January 2020. Archived from the original on 3 February 2020. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
23. Kleiner, Michael (10 November 2022). "Molde "roses" above the rest in Eliteserien - The Norwegian American". The Norwegian American. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
24. Bekkestad, Oda Karlsen (16 October 2022). "LIVE: Lillestrøm - Molde". Nettavisen (in Norwegian). Retrieved 4 January 2024.
25. "Apollon FC announces the agreement in principle with Etzaz Hussain". apollon.com.cy. Apollon Limassol FC. 20 January 2023. Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
26. "Etzaz Hussain transfer has been finalized". apollon.com.cy. Apollon Limassol FC. 24 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
27. "ΑΠΟΛΛΩΝ ΛΕΜΕΣΟΥ vs ΚΑΡΜΙΩΤΙΣΣΑ ΠΟΛΕΜΙΔΙΩΝ". apollon.com.cy. Apollon Limassol FC. 9 February 2023. Archived from the original on 20 February 2023. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
28. "Etzaz Hussain's contract terminated by mutual consent". apollon.com.cy. Apollon Limassol FC. 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
29. Egelandsdal, Stian André de Wahl, Pontus (25 February 2024). "Nettavisen erfarer: Etzaz Hussain klar for Odd". Nettavisen (in Norwegian). Retrieved 26 February 2024.
30. Stensland, Tor Henrik (25 February 2024). "(+) Ny spiller presentert". varden.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 26 February 2024.
31. Nasir, Saad (2 January 2024). "Good News for Pakistan Football as Star Norwegian Player Gets Green Passport". ProPakistani.
32. Tariq, Abdul Moiz (2 January 2024). "Exciting News for Pakistan Football: Etzaz Hussain Gets Pakistani Passport". The Sports Side. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
33. Sarwar, Shazia (3 October 2010). "Årets vinnere av Blendprisen". Blend (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
34. "Etzaz Hussain". nifs.no (in Norwegian). A-pressen. Archived from the original on 23 October 2014. Retrieved 17 March 2013.
35. "Norway - E. Hussain - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". uk.soccerway.com. Retrieved 4 January 2024.

External links

• Etzaz Hussain at Soccerbase
• Etzaz Hussain at FootballDatabase.eu
• Etzaz Hussain at Soccerway