Biography
Who is Kaleemullah Khan?
Early life and beginnings
Born in Chaman, Pakistan, within the Balochistan province, Kaleemullah Khan belongs to the Achakzai tribe of ethnic Pashtuns. He first engaged with the sport while attending Government High School Chaman.
His path to professional football was not initially supported by his parents, who were concerned about the limited infrastructure and lack of institutional support for the sport in their country. They eventually changed their minds after he secured a formal contract with the Afghan Chaman club.
Career with Khan Research Laboratories
Khan began his senior career in the Pakistan Premier League with Afghan Chaman during the 2008–09 season. His performance caught the attention of scouts from Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), who signed him in 2009. He debuted for KRL on July 27, 2009, in a match against PAF F.C., where he scored his first goal.
During his time at KRL, he became a central figure for the squad. He helped the team win league titles and the Challenge Cup. In the 2012–13 season, he scored 35 times, setting a record as the league's all-time top goal scorer. The Pakistan Football Federation recognized his efforts by naming him the best player in the Pakistan Premier League in 2013.
International football and US debut
In 2014, Kaleemullah signed with the Kyrgyz club FC Dordoi Bishkek. He achieved a treble with the team, winning the league title, the league cup, and the super cup. He was the top goal scorer for the season, netting 21 goals in 21 total matches. The Football Federation of the Kyrgyz Republic awarded him the league's best player honor.
He made history in 2015 when he joined Sacramento Republic FC in the United States. This contract made him the first Pakistani-born player to sign with a professional soccer club in the United States. He debuted on June 20, 2015, as a substitute. Later, he signed with Tulsa Roughnecks FC for the 2016 season, where he scored his first goal on American soil on May 1, 2016.
Later club career and injury
Following his time in the United States, Kaleemullah played for several clubs in Turkey, including Serhat Ardahanspor, Izmirspor, and Igdirspor. While playing for Igdirspor in 2018, he recorded his 100th career club goal. He also had a stint with Al-Najaf FC in Iraq.
In 2019, he joined Zakho SC. His time in Iraq was interrupted by a shin injury during the 2019–20 season, followed by the cancellation of the league due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He returned to fitness by 2021. In 2023, he played for the Karachi club Abdul FC, and in 2024, he competed in the Futsal National Cup, finishing as a runner-up with his team.
Birthday and age
Kaleemullah Khan was born on September 20, 1992, which makes Kaleemullah 34 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Kaleemullah shares the date with 31 other famous people.
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