Muhammad Riaz (footballer)

Muhammad Riaz (born 27 February 1996) is a Pakistani footballer who plays as a midfielder. Although his favored position is that of an attacking midfielder, he can also be deployed as a striker or winger.

Early life
Riaz was born in Hangu, with his family originating from the village of Landi Kotal.

Islamabad United
Riaz represented Islamabad United in the 2010 Geo Super Football League, where he was declared player of the tournament.

K-Electric
He signed for K-Electric in September 2010 at the age of 15 which was then playing at the Pakistan Premier League.

SSGC & return to K-Electric
After a brief stint at SSGC in 2014, he returned to K-Electric until the team got disbanded in 2020.

Asia Ghee Mills
He represented Asia Ghee Mills in the departmental 2020 PFF Challenge Cup.

SA Gardens
After the suspension of the Pakistan Football Federation by FIFA and the persistent inactivity of the Pakistan Premier League, Riaz participated in various local tournaments in Peshawar and Chitral and played for SA Gardens in 2021.

International career
Riaz's first senior appearance was against Afghanistan in 2013. He was subsequently called for the 2013 SAFF Championship. Riaz appeared for Pakistan's U-23 team at the 2014 Asian Games in a 1–0 loss to the Chinese U-23 team. He scored his first goal on 6 February 2015, in a friendly against Afghanistan, scoring a header in the 18th minute. He also was included in Pakistan squad for test matches against Malaysia under-19 and under-22 in Kuala Lumpur, where he scored against both teams in a 3–1 victory and 1–2 loss respectively in 2015. In May 2015, he was also included in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification against Yemen.

Riaz missed international exposure for the next 3 years, as Pakistan was suspended from all football activities by FIFA on 10 October 2017. For three years since March 2015, Pakistan remained suspended from any international competition because of the crisis created inside the Pakistan Football Federation. Riaz along with other national team players meanwhile participated with Pakistan during local Leisure Leagues exhibitions matches involving Brazilian star Ronaldinho and Ryan Giggs in 2017.

In 2018, Riaz participated in Pakistan tour to Bahrain for test matches as a preparation for the 2018 SAFF Championship, when his national side returned to international circuit after 3 years. Riaz made three further appearances in the 2018 Asian Games. He scored in the 2018 SAFF Championship against Bhutan, as Pakistan terminated the campaign sealing its place in the semi-finals.

In 2019, Riaz played in the 2022 World Cup qualification against Cambodia playing as a left-back, as Pakistan failed to qualify for the next round. This was before Pakistan were once again suspended from all football activities by FIFA on 7 April 2021. After the suspension was lifted on 29 June 2022, Riaz was called in the national camp in February 2023, as preparation for future tournaments. However, he was unable to secure a spot in the final squad in March 2023.

International

 * Scores and results list Pakistan's goal tally first.