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{{Short description|Pakistani professional footballer}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox football biography
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Zesh Rehman
| name = Zesh Rehman
| image = Zesh Rehman York City v. Bradford City 1.png
| image = Zesh Rehman York City v. Bradford City 1.png
| image_size = 200px
| image_size = 200
| caption = Rehman playing for [[Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]] in 2009
| caption = Rehman with [[Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]] in 2009
| fullname = Zeshan Rehman<ref name=Hugman>{{Hugman|16504|access-date=29 October 2017}}</ref>
| fullname = Zeshan Rehman
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1983|10|14|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1983|10|14}}<ref name=Hugman/>
| birth_place = [[Birmingham]], England
| birth_place = [[Birmingham]], England
| height = {{height|m=1.89}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/player/0,19754,11711_225433,00.html|title=Sky Sports Profile Zesh Rehman|publisher=[[Sky Sports]]|accessdate=26 May 2009}}</ref>
| height = {{convert|1.91|m|order=flip}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/player/0,19754,11711_225433,00.html |title=Sky Sports Profile Zesh Rehman |publisher=[[Sky Sports]] |access-date=26 May 2009 |archive-date=4 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104120732/http://www.skysports.com/football/player/0,19754,11711_225433,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| position = [[Defender (association football)|Defender]]
| position = [[Defender (association football)|Defender]]
| currentclub = [[Kitchee SC|Kitchee]]
| currentclub = [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] (development coach)
| clubnumber = 5
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = 1995–2003
| youthyears1 = 1995–2003
| youthclubs1 = [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]]
| youthclubs1 = [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]]
| years1 = 2003–2006
| years1 = 2003–2006
| clubs1 = [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]]
| clubs1 = [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]]
| caps1 = 30
| caps1 = 30
| goals1 = 1
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2003–2004
| years2 = 2003–2004
| clubs2 = → [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]] (loan)
| clubs2 = → [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]] (loan)
| caps2 = 11
| caps2 = 13
| goals2 = 2
| goals2 = 2
| years3 = 2006
| years3 = 2006
| clubs3 = → [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] (loan)
| clubs3 = → [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] (loan)
| caps3 = 5
| caps3 = 5
| goals3 = 0
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2006–2009
| years4 = 2006–2009
| clubs4 = [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]]
| clubs4 = [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]]
| caps4 = 50
| caps4 = 50
| goals4 = 0
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2007
| years5 = 2007
| clubs5 = → [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]] (loan)
| clubs5 = → [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]] (loan)
| caps5 = 8
| caps5 = 8
| goals5 = 0
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2008
| years6 = 2008
| clubs6 = → [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]] (loan)
| clubs6 = → [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]] (loan)
| caps6 = 4
| caps6 = 4
| goals6 = 0
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2009
| years7 = 2009
| clubs7 = → [[Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]] (loan)
| clubs7 = → [[Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]] (loan)
| caps7 = 17
| caps7 = 17
| goals7 = 0
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2009–2010
| years8 = 2009–2010
| clubs8 = [[Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]]
| clubs8 = [[Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]]
| caps8 = 54
| caps8 = 54
| goals8 = 2
| goals8 = 2
| years9 = 2011–2012
| years9 = 2011–2012
| clubs9 = [[Muangthong United F.C.|Muangthong United]]
| clubs9 = [[Muangthong United F.C.|Muangthong United]]
| caps9 = 30
| caps9 = 30
| goals9 = 1
| goals9 = 1
| years10 = 2012–2013
| years10= 2012–
| clubs10= [[Kitchee SC|Kitchee]]
| clubs10 = [[Kitchee SC|Kitchee]]
| caps10 = 30
| caps10= 55
| goals10 = 0
| goals10= 2
| years11 = 2014–2016
| nationalyears1 =
| clubs11 = [[Pahang FA|Pahang]]
| nationalteam1 = [[England national under-18 football team|England U18]]
| nationalcaps1 = –
| caps11 = 53
| nationalgoals1 = –
| goals11 = 7
| years12 = 2017
| nationalyears2 =
| clubs12 = [[Gillingham F.C.|Gillingham]]
| nationalteam2 = [[England national under-19 football team|England U19]]
| nationalcaps2 = –
| caps12 = 10
| nationalgoals2 = –
| goals12 = 1
| years13 = 2017–2022
| nationalyears3 =
| clubs13 = [[Southern District FC|Southern]]
| nationalteam3 = [[England national under-20 football team|England U20]]
| nationalcaps3 = –
| caps13 = 63
| nationalgoals3 = –
| goals13 = 1
| totalcaps = 367 | totalgoals = 14
| nationalyears4 = 2005–
| nationalyears1 =
| nationalteam4 = [[Pakistan national football team|Pakistan]]
| nationalteam1 = [[England national under-18 football team|England U18]]
| nationalcaps4 = 8
| nationalgoals4 = 0
| nationalcaps1 =
| nationalgoals1 =
| pcupdate = 1 June 2012
| nationalyears2 =
| ntupdate = 23:16, 8 July 2013 (UTC)
| nationalteam2 = [[England national under-19 football team|England U19]]
| nationalcaps2 =
| nationalgoals2 =
| nationalyears3 =
| nationalteam3 = [[England national under-20 football team|England U20]]
| nationalcaps3 =
| nationalgoals3 =
| nationalyears4 = 2005–2019
| nationalteam4 = [[Pakistan national football team|Pakistan]]
| nationalcaps4 = 22
| nationalgoals4 = 1
| manageryears1 = 2020–2022
| managerclubs1 = [[Southern District FC|Southern]] (player-manager)
| manageryears2 = 2022–2023
| managerclubs2 = [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth U18]]
| club-update =
| nationalteam-update =
| manageryears3 = 2023–
| managerclubs3 = [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth FC]] (development coach)
}}
}}
'''Zeshan "Zesh" Rehman''' ([[Urdu]]: {{Nastaliq|'''ذيشان رحمان'''}}; born 14 October 1983)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10373~24613,00.html|title=QPR Profile Zesh Rehman|publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C|accessdate=22 May 2009}}</ref> is a professional [[Association football|footballer]] who plays for [[Kitchee SC|Kitchee]] in the [[Hong Kong First Division League]] as a [[Defender (association football)|defender]]. He was the first [[British Asian]] to start a [[Premier League]] match and is the first to have played in all four divisions of professional football in England. He also plays for the [[Pakistan national football team]] and was the first Pakistani international footballer to play professional football in England, Thailand and Hong Kong.<ref name="FL1579695">{{cite news|url=http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/LatestNewsdetail/0,,10794~1579695,00.htl|title=Podcast – Episode 25|last=Clemmit|first=Mark|date=5 March 2009|publisher=[[The Football League]]|accessdate=2 April 2009}}</ref><ref name="people93463"/>
'''Zeshan Rehman''' ({{langx|ur|{{Nastaliq|ذيشان رحمان}}}}; born 14 October 1983)<ref name="SW"/> is a former professional [[Association football|footballer]] who played as a [[Defender (association football)|defender]]. He is currently first team development coach at [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth FC]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/news/2023/march/new-role-for-zesh/|title=New Role For Zesh|website=www.portsmouthfc.co.uk}}</ref> Born in England, he represented the [[Pakistan national football team|Pakistan national team]].


He was the first [[British Asian]] to start a [[Premier League]] match and is the first to have played in all four divisions of professional football in England. He also played for the [[Pakistan national football team]] and was the first Pakistani international footballer to play professional football in England, Thailand, Hong Kong and Malaysia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sohail |first=Shahrukh |date=2014-01-07 |title=10 footballers of Pakistani descent who have made us proud |url=https://tribune.com.pk/article/20462/10-footballers-of-pakistani-descent-who-have-made-us-proud |access-date=2024-06-16 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref>
He started his career at [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] and made a total of 21 league appearances. During his time at Fulham he had loan spells at [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]] and [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]]. Having previously represented [[England national football team|England]] at [[England national under-18 football team|under-18]], [[England national under-19 football team|under-19]] and [[England national under-20 football team|under-20]] levels, in 2005 he made his debut for Pakistan. A transfer to [[Queens Park Rangers]] followed and he went on to make 46 appearances for the west London-based club. During his three-year stint there he went on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion, [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]] and Bradford City. The third transfer of his career involved him moving to Bradford on a free transfer in June 2009. So far Rehman has made eight appearances for the Pakistan national team and has participated in the [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC First Round|World Cup 2010 qualifiers]]. Outside of football he is known for being an ambassador for [[Kick It Out (football's equality and inclusion campaign)|Kick It Out]], the Asian Football Network and the [[Show Racism The Red Card]] campaign. In addition to this he has appeared on [[BBC Radio 1Xtra]] and writes a blog for The PFA as a Management Committee Member (http://www.thepfa.com/news/2012/10/29/zesh-rehman-together-we-can-achieve-more), as well as running his own [[Foundation (non-profit)|foundation]].

Rehman started his career at [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] and made a total of 30 appearances, having loan spells at [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]] and [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]]. A transfer to [[Queens Park Rangers]] followed and he went on to make 50 appearances for the club. During his three years there he went on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion, [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]] and Bradford City, moving permanently to the latter on a free transfer in June 2009. Having previously represented [[England national football team|England]] at [[England national under-18 football team|under-18]], [[England national under-19 football team|under-19]] and [[England national under-20 football team|under-20]] levels, in 2005 he made his debut for Pakistan senior team.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Rehman was born on 14 October 1983 in [[Birmingham]].<ref name="back to my roots"/> His father is Khalid Rehman.<ref>{{cite episode |title=True Stories: The Power of ... |network=Channel 4| station=More 4 |airdate=2010-06-01}}</ref> As a child in Birmingham he played for his local [[Sunday league football|Sunday league]] team, Kingshurst.<ref name="back to my roots"/> He was brought up in the [[Aston]] area of the city and often played football on the streets in addition to representing his school, his district and his county in football.<ref name="people93463"/>
Rehman was born on 14 October 1983 in [[Birmingham]].<ref name="back to my roots"/> His father is Khalid Rehman.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rehman craving Fulham escape|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/sg/features/rehman-craving-fulham-escape#:oyTFFwtriFDHWA|publisher=Four Four Two|access-date=7 January 2016|archive-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109041327/http://www.fourfourtwo.com/sg/features/rehman-craving-fulham-escape#:oyTFFwtriFDHWA|url-status=dead}}</ref> As a child in Birmingham he played for his local [[Sunday league football|Sunday league]] team, Kingshurst.<ref name="back to my roots"/> He was brought up in the [[Aston]] area of the city and often played football on the streets in addition to representing his school, his district and his county in football.<ref name="people93463"/>


==Club career==
==Club career==
===Fulham===
===Fulham===
When he was just twelve years old he was spotted by a [[scout (sport)|scout]]<ref name="people93463">{{cite news | title = The Premiership's first asian star: Zesh Rehman |work=[[The People]] | date = 17 May 2009 | url = http://www.people.co.uk/sport/jsp/tm_headline=the-premiership-s-first-asian-star-zesh-rehman&method=full&objectid=21361784&siteid=93463-name_page.html | last = Fletcher | first = James | accessdate =5 June 2009}}</ref> and moved with his family to London where he joined the [[Fulham Academy]]. He progressed through the junior, youth and reserve teams at [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]].<ref name="BFC-programme">{{cite journal | title = A dedication to inspire – Will to succeed sees Zesh become a role model | journal=Up The Pool | volume = 2008–09 season | issue = Blackpool vs Crystal Palace | pages = 34–37 | publisher=[[Blackpool F.C.]] | location = [[Blackpool]] | date = 25 October 2008 | accessdate =25 October 2008}}</ref> He made his debut for Fulham in 2004 in the [[Premier League]] at [[Anfield]] against [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]], and by doing so he was able to garner some media attention from [[British Asian]] groups by being the first British Asian player to play in the top division of English football.<ref name="BFC-programme"/> Although a [[defender (association football)|centre back]] by trade, Rehman was used as a [[defensive midfielder|holding midfielder]] as well as [[right back]] in his career at Fulham.<ref name="Transfer latest">{{cite news | title = Transfer Latest | publisher=[[Blackpool F.C.]] | date = 31 July 2008 | url = http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10432~1354936,00.html | accessdate =5 June 2009}}</ref>


==== Early years ====
[[File:Craven Cottage.JPG|thumb|left|Rehman started his career at Craven Cottage]]
[[File:Craven Cottage.JPG|thumb|left|Rehman started his career at [[Craven Cottage]]]]When he was just twelve years old he was spotted by a [[scout (sport)|scout]],<ref name="people93463">{{cite news | title = The Premiership's first asian star: Zesh Rehman | work = [[The Sunday People|The People]] | date = 17 May 2009 | url = http://www.people.co.uk/sport/jsp/tm_headline=the-premiership-s-first-asian-star-zesh-rehman&method=full&objectid=21361784&siteid=93463-name_page.html | last = Fletcher | first = James | access-date = 5 June 2009 | archive-date = 12 August 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090812135300/http://www.people.co.uk/sport/jsp/tm_headline%3Dthe-premiership-s-first-asian-star-zesh-rehman%26method%3Dfull%26objectid%3D21361784%26siteid%3D93463-name_page.html | url-status = live }}</ref> and moved with his family to London where he joined the [[Fulham Academy]]. He progressed through the junior, youth and reserve teams at [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]], which led him to sign his first professional contract.<ref name="BFC-programme">{{cite journal | title = A dedication to inspire – Will to succeed sees Zesh become a role model | journal=Up the Pool | volume = 2008–09 season | issue = Blackpool vs Crystal Palace | pages = 34–37 | publisher=[[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]] | location = [[Blackpool]] | date = 25 October 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Fruit of the Academy|url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2002/february/11/fruit-of-the-academy|publisher=Fulham Official Website|date=11 February 2002|access-date=10 April 2014|archive-date=10 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410181307/http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2002/february/11/fruit-of-the-academy|url-status=live}}</ref> Although a [[defender (association football)|centre back]] by trade, Rehman was used as a [[defensive midfielder|holding midfielder]] as well as [[right back]] in his career at Fulham.<ref name="Transfer latest">{{cite web|title=Zesh Rehman|url=http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/player/461/zesh-rehman.aspx|publisher=Fulham|access-date=1 June 2015|archive-date=2 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602044516/http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/player/461/zesh-rehman.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2003–04 ====
In the [[2003–04 in English football|2003–04 season]], Rehman made his professional debut on 23 September 2003 in a 1–0 defeat away to [[Wigan Athletic]] in the second round of the [[Football League Cup]], coming on as a substitute for [[Junichi Inamoto]] after 57 minutes.<ref name="One" /> Six days later, he was sent on loan to [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]] of the [[Football League Second Division|Second Division]], initially for one month until November.<ref name="bbc3149526">{{cite news | title = Brighton seal Rehman deal |publisher=BBC | date = 29 September 2003 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/3149526.stm | access-date =26 October 2008}}</ref> He scored on his debut for the club on 30 September, concluding a 3–1 away win at [[Rushden & Diamonds]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Rushden 1–3 Brighton|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/3139016.stm|access-date=29 July 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=30 September 2003}}</ref> On 11 October, he opened a 3–0 win against [[Grimsby Town]] at the [[Withdean Stadium]], finishing a corner by [[Leon Knight]] in [[Bob Booker]]'s first match in charge.<ref>{{cite news|title=October 11: Albion 3 Grimsby 0|url=http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/5102855.October_11__Albion_3_Grimsby_0/|access-date=29 July 2015|work=The Argus|date=14 October 2003|archive-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109041328/http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/5102855.October_11__Albion_3_Grimsby_0/|url-status=live}}</ref> Rehman's loan was extended to three months ending in January 2004.<ref name="bbc3325679">{{cite news | title = Duo stay with Brighton | publisher = BBC | date = 16 December 2003 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/3325679.stm | access-date = 26 October 2008 | archive-date = 18 February 2004 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040218125534/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/3325679.stm | url-status = live }}</ref> He made eleven league appearances, scoring two goals.<ref name="back to my roots" />


He made his [[Premier League]] debut for Fulham in a goalless draw at [[Anfield]] against [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] on 17 April 2004, replacing [[Bobby Petta]] for the final minute of the match.<ref>{{cite news|title=Liverpool 0–0 Fulham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3615831.stm|access-date=29 July 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=17 April 2004}}</ref> In doing so, he garnered media attention from [[British Asian]] groups by being the first British Asian player to play in the top division of English football.<ref name="BFC-programme" /> In June, Rehman signed a new contract, to keep him until 2006.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rehman signs contract|url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2004/june/04/rehman-signs-contract|publisher=Fulham Official Website|date=4 June 2004|access-date=11 April 2014|archive-date=11 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140411215855/http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2004/june/04/rehman-signs-contract|url-status=live}}</ref>
In the [[2003–04 in English football|2003–04 season]], when he was 19 years old, he was sent on loan to [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]], initially for one month until November,<ref name="bbc3149526">{{cite news | title = Brighton seal Rehman deal |publisher=BBC | date = 29 September 2003 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/3149526.stm | accessdate =26 October 2008}}</ref> however this was extended to three months ending in January 2004.<ref name="bbc3325679">{{cite news | title = Duo stay with Brighton |publisher=BBC | date = 16 December 2003 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/3325679.stm | accessdate =26 October 2008}}</ref> He made eleven league appearances, scoring two goals.<ref name="back to my roots"/> In January 2006 he signed for [[Football League Championship|Championship]] club [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] on loan for the rest of the season as defensive cover for the injury-hit club.<ref name="pfa310106">{{cite news | title = Canaries swoop for Premier League pair | publisher=[[Professional Footballers' Association]] | date = 31 January 2006 | url = http://www.givemefootball.com/championship/canaries-swoop-for-premiership-pair | accessdate =26 October 2008}}</ref> He made five starts for them.<ref name="Soccerbase">{{cite news | title = Soccerbase profile | publisher=Soccerbase | url = http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=36002 | accessdate =23 June 2009}}</ref>


==== 2005–06 ====
Having made 30 appearances in all competitions for Fulham, 26 from the starting line up and four as a substitute, Rehman had to consider his options if he was to get regular football. Although he had two years remaining on his contract, he wanted to play regular first team football, and as a result, he decided to spend the next two seasons getting as much experience as possible.<ref name="bio">{{cite web | last = Rehman | first = Zesh | title = Zesh Rehman biography | url=http://www.zeshrehman.com/biography.htm | publisher=Zeshrehman.com | accessdate =15 May 2009 }}</ref> He scored once for Fulham, in a League Cup tie against Lincoln City on 21 September 2005.<ref>{{cite web
On 21 September 2005 in the League Cup second round, Rehman scored his only goal for Fulham, opening a 5–4 extra-time win over [[Lincoln City F.C.|Lincoln City]] at [[Craven Cottage]] by heading in [[Heiðar Helguson]]'s cross.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4258578.stm
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4258578.stm
|title=Fulham 5–4 Lincoln (aet)
|title=Fulham 5–4 Lincoln (aet)
|publisher=BBC
|publisher=BBC
|date=21 September 2005 |access-date=19 November 2009}}</ref> In January 2006 he signed for [[Football League Championship|Championship]] club [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] on loan for the rest of the season as defensive cover for the club.<ref>{{cite web|title=Earnshaw escapes Albion with £3.5m move to Norwich|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/feb/01/newsstory.sport5|work=The Guardian|date=February 2006|access-date=13 May 2015|archive-date=1 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901182626/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/feb/01/newsstory.sport5|url-status=live}}</ref> He made five starts for them.<ref name="Soccerbase">{{cite news | title = Soccerbase profile | publisher = Soccerbase | url = https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=36002 | access-date = 23 June 2009 | archive-date = 11 May 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080511041906/http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=36002 | url-status = live }}</ref> Having made 30 appearances in all competitions for Fulham, 26 from the starting line-up and four as a substitute, Rehman had to consider his options if he was to get regular football. Although he had two years remaining on his contract, he wanted to play regular first team football, and as a result, he decided to spend the next two seasons getting as much experience as possible.<ref name="bio">{{cite web | last = Rehman | first = Zesh | title = Zesh Rehman biography | url = http://www.zeshrehman.com/biography.htm | publisher = Zeshrehman.com | access-date = 15 May 2009 | archive-date = 9 May 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090509213505/http://www.zeshrehman.com/biography.htm | url-status = live }}</ref>
|date=21 September 2005 |accessdate=19 November 2009}}</ref>


===Queens Park Rangers===
===Queens Park Rangers===
On 8 August 2006, just prior to the start of the [[2006–07 in English football|2006–07 season]], Rehman signed for Championship club [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] (QPR) from Fulham on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.<ref name="bbc5256446">{{cite news | title = QPR swoop to sign Fulham's Rehman |publisher=BBC | date = 8 August 2006 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/5256446.stm | accessdate =25 October 2008}}</ref> After completing his move, Rehman said, "All I want to do is play; the money doesn't interest me anymore. I could have sat at Fulham and just been happy to pick up my wages but that's not what I am all about."<ref name="pfa-role"/>


QPR had only just avoided relegation the previous season and had a new manager in [[Gary Waddock]] in charge.<ref>{{cite news | title = History of QPR | publisher=[[Queens Park Rangers F.C.]] | date = 3 June 2009 | url = http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/History/0,,10373,00.html | accessdate =24 June 2009}}</ref> In his first season at QPR, Rehman made 27 appearances.<ref name="Transfer latest"/>
On 8 August 2006, just prior to the start of the [[2006–07 in English football|2006–07 season]], Rehman signed for Championship club [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] (QPR) from Fulham on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.<ref name="bbc5256446">{{cite news | title = QPR swoop to sign Fulham's Rehman | publisher = BBC | date = 8 August 2006 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/5256446.stm | access-date = 25 October 2008 | archive-date = 4 February 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070204105843/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/5256446.stm | url-status = live }}</ref> In his first season at QPR, Rehman made 27 appearances.<ref name="Transfer latest"/>


Towards the end of the season Rehman was sent on loan to former club Brighton & Hove Albion for a month where he gained more first team football experience.<ref>{{cite news | title = Zeshan Rehman | publisher=[[Bradford City A.F.C.]] |url = http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10266~24613,00.html | accessdate =22 May 2009}}</ref> He made his debut on 24 March 2007 in a 0–0 draw against [[Huddersfield Town F.C.|Huddersfield Town]].<ref>{{cite news |date = 24 March 2007 | title = Match Report: Brighton 0–0 Huddersfield | publisher=[[Huddersfield Town A.F.C.]] |url = http://www.htafc.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10312~33940,00.html | accessdate =22 May 2009}}</ref> He ended his loan stint by playing the full 90 minutes, and earning a [[Misconduct (association football)|yellow card]] in the process, for the final game of the [[Football League One|League One]] season in a 1–1 draw at [[Cheltenham Town F.C.|Cheltenham Town]] on 5 May 2007, claiming an assist for the opening goal.<ref>{{cite news | date = 5 May 2007 | title = Match report: Cheltenham 1–1 Brighton |publisher=BBC |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/6602957.stm | accessdate =24 June 2009}}</ref> He featured in eight full games during his loan spell.<ref name="back to my roots">{{cite news | last = Pope | first = Dan | title = Back to my roots – Zesh Rehman | publisher=The Club House |url = http://www.clubnewsletter.co.uk/2009/feb/zeshrehman.html | accessdate =26 May 2009}}</ref>
Towards the end of the season Rehman was sent on loan to former club Brighton & Hove Albion for a month where he gained more first team football experience.<ref>{{cite web|title=Former Fulham star Zesh Rehman: Asia was my destiny, Malaysia is my home|url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/2052554/former-fulham-star-zesh-rehman-always-knew-asia-was-his-destiny|publisher=ESPN|access-date=1 June 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924013503/http://www.espnfc.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/2052554/former-fulham-star-zesh-rehman-always-knew-asia-was-his-destiny|url-status=live}}</ref> He made his debut on 24 March 2007 in a 0–0 draw against [[Huddersfield Town A.F.C.|Huddersfield Town]].<ref name="Pak">{{cite web|title=Zesh Rehman set to join top Malaysian club|url=http://article.wn.com/view/2013/12/03/Zesh_Rehman_set_to_join_top_Malaysian_club/|publisher=WN|access-date=1 June 2015|archive-date=1 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601181509/http://article.wn.com/view/2013/12/03/Zesh_Rehman_set_to_join_top_Malaysian_club/|url-status=live}}</ref> He ended his loan stint by playing the full 90 minutes, and earning a [[Misconduct (association football)|yellow card]] in the process, for the final game of the [[Football League One|League One]] season in a 1–1 draw at [[Cheltenham Town F.C.|Cheltenham Town]] on 5 May 2007, claiming an assist for the opening goal.<ref>{{cite news | date = 5 May 2007 | title = Match report: Cheltenham 1–1 Brighton | publisher = BBC | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/6602957.stm | access-date = 24 June 2009 | archive-date = 2 October 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071002233129/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/6602957.stm | url-status = live }}</ref> He featured in eight full games during his loan spell.<ref name="back to my roots">{{cite news | last = Pope | first = Dan | title = Back to my roots – Zesh Rehman | publisher = The Club House | url = http://www.clubnewsletter.co.uk/2009/feb/zeshrehman.html | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130420023617/http://www.clubnewsletter.co.uk/2009/feb/zeshrehman.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 20 April 2013 | access-date = 26 May 2009 }}</ref>


Returning to QPR at the start of the new season, chances were limited. The 3–1 victory over [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]] on New Years Day 2008 was Rehman's 50th game in all competitions since leaving Fulham in 2006.<ref>{{cite news | title = QPR 3–1 Leicester |publisher=BBC | date = 1 January 2008 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7163883.stm | accessdate =26 May 2009}}</ref> Rehman finished the 2007–08 season in the starting line for QPR against the Championship's new champions, [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]].<ref>{{cite news | title = QPR 0–2 West Brom |work=Daily Mirror |location=UK |url = http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport-old/football/2008/05/05/qpr-0-2-west-brom-115875-20406035/ | date = 5 May 2008 | accessdate =26 May 2009}}</ref>
Returning to QPR at the start of the new season, chances were limited. The 3–1 victory over [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]] on New Years Day 2008 was Rehman's 50th game in all competitions since leaving Fulham in 2006.<ref>{{cite news | title = QPR 3–1 Leicester | publisher = BBC | date = 1 January 2008 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7163883.stm | access-date = 26 May 2009 | archive-date = 3 January 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080103060012/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7163883.stm | url-status = live }}</ref> Rehman finished the 2007–08 season in the starting line for QPR against the Championship's new champions, [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]].<ref>{{cite news | title = QPR 0–2 West Brom | work = Daily Mirror | location = UK | url = https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport-old/football/2008/05/05/qpr-0-2-west-brom-115875-20406035/ | date = 5 May 2008 | access-date = 26 May 2009 | archive-date = 5 June 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110605221104/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport-old/football/2008/05/05/qpr-0-2-west-brom-115875-20406035/ | url-status = live }}</ref>


===Loan move to Blackpool===
====Blackpool (loan)====
Rehman joined [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]] in a six-month loan deal on 31 July 2008, along with teammate [[Daniel Nardiello]], who joined the club on a permanent basis, while Blackpool defender [[Kaspars Gorkss]] moved to QPR in exchange.<ref name="bbc753633">{{cite news | title = Blackpool seal deals for QPR pair |publisher=BBC | date = 1 August 2008 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/blackpool/7536333.stm | accessdate =26 October 2008}}</ref><ref name="footballpakistan3070">{{cite news | last = Ahsan | first = Ali | title = Zesh Rehman moves to Blackpool FC | publisher=footballpakistan.com | date = 31 July 2008 | url = http://www.footballpakistan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3070&Itemid=43 | accessdate =26 October 2008}}</ref> He made his debut for Blackpool as a second-half substitute for [[Jermaine Wright]] in a 2–0 defeat at [[Football League Two|League Two]] club [[Macclesfield Town F.C.|Macclesfield Town]] in the first round of the [[2008–09 Football League Cup|2008–09 Carling Cup]] on 12 August 2008. He was used as an emergency striker due to injuries to three of the club's strikers.<ref>{{cite news | title = Macclesfield vs Blackpool | publisher=[[Blackpool F.C.]] | date = 12 August 2008 | url = http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10432~46433,00.html | accessdate =15 May 2009}}</ref> He made his league debut the following Saturday, in a 1–1 draw at Norwich City, coming on early in the second half to replace defender [[Danny Coid]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Norwich City vs Blackpool | publisher=[[Blackpool F.C.]] | date = 16 August 2008 | url = http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10432~43703,00.html | accessdate =15 May 2009}}</ref>
Rehman joined [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]] in a six-month loan deal on 31 July 2008, along with teammate [[Daniel Nardiello]], who joined the club on a permanent basis, while Blackpool defender [[Kaspars Gorkšs]] moved to QPR in exchange.<ref name="bbc753633">{{cite news | title = Blackpool seal deals for QPR pair |publisher=BBC | date = 1 August 2008 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/blackpool/7536333.stm | access-date =26 October 2008}}</ref> He made his debut for Blackpool as a second-half substitute for [[Jermaine Wright]] in a 2–0 defeat at [[Football League Two|League Two]] club [[Macclesfield Town F.C.|Macclesfield Town]] in the first round of the [[2008–09 Football League Cup|2008–09 League Cup]] on 12 August 2008. He was used as an emergency striker due to injuries to three of the club's strikers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Seasiders crash at Moss Rose|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/1691/report|work=Sky Sports|access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref> He made his league debut the following Saturday, in a 1–1 draw at Norwich City, coming on early in the second half to replace defender [[Danny Coid]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Blackpool hang on for draw|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/1967/report|work=Sky Sports|access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>


Three months into his loan spell, in early October, Rehman said of his move to play for Blackpool: "I'm quite glad to get away from all the hustle and bustle of London. I really like it up here in [[Blackpool]]; it's a good club with an ambitious young manager. Hopefully, over the next few months I can convince Simon Grayson I'm worthy of a long-term contract."<ref name="pfa-role"/> On 31 December he returned to QPR after having made three league appearances, all of which were as a substitute.<ref name="Soccerbase"/>
Three months into his loan spell, in early October, Rehman said of his move to play for Blackpool: "I'm quite glad to get away from all the hustle and bustle of London. I really like it up here in [[Blackpool]]; it's a good club with an ambitious young manager. Hopefully, over the next few months I can convince [[Simon Grayson]] I'm worthy of a long-term contract."<ref name="pfa-role"/> On 31 December he returned to QPR after having made three league appearances, all of which were as a substitute.<ref name="Soccerbase"/>


===Loan move to Bradford City===
====Bradford City (loan)====
On 26 January 2009, Rehman signed a loan deal with League Two club [[Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]], which was to last until the end of the [[2008–09 Bradford City A.F.C. season|2008–09 season]].<ref name="bbc7851147">{{cite news |title=Bradford sign QPR defender Rehman |publisher=BBC |date=26 January 2009 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7851147.stm |access-date=26 January 2009 |archive-date=29 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129075943/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7851147.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Rehman had turned down a chance to move to [[Luton Town F.C.|Luton Town]] and team up with [[Mick Harford]], who was previously the assistant manager at QPR, and said he was only prepared to drop down to League Two if he joined Bradford City.<ref name="dt4922733">{{cite news |title=Big Mick missed Pakistan captain |date=28 January 2009 |work=Dunstable Gazette |url=http://www.dunstabletoday.co.uk/luton-sport/Big-Mick-missed-Pakistan-captain.4922733.jp |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130420030553/http://www.dunstabletoday.co.uk/luton-sport/Big-Mick-missed-Pakistan-captain.4922733.jp |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 April 2013 |access-date=29 January 2009 }}</ref> Rehman said of the move, "I was only prepared to drop down the leagues to play for this club. I spoke to the manager and chairmen and I know they want to get Bradford back up to where they belong. I've been involved in relegation battles in the past and it's nice to be joining a club pushing for promotion – that's a good pressure to have."<ref>{{cite web|title=Gorkss denies joining QPR for the money|url=http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/queensparkrangers/news/4451/gorkss-denies-joining-qpr-for-the-money-%C3%A2%E2%82%AC%E2%80%9C-news-round-up|publisher=Fans News Network|access-date=1 June 2015|archive-date=1 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601220116/http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/queensparkrangers/news/4451/gorkss-denies-joining-qpr-for-the-money-%C3%A2%E2%82%AC%E2%80%9C-news-round-up|url-status=live}}</ref> He made his debut the following day in a 1–0 defeat to [[Bury F.C.|Bury]] at [[Gigg Lane]], and in doing so became the first British Asian to play in all four divisions of professional football in England.<ref>{{cite web|title=Journeyman Zesh Rehman discusses Thailand, Pakistan and his time in England's top four divisions|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/141/asia/2012/02/22/2921053/journeyman-zesh-rehman-discusses-thailand-pakistan-and-his|publisher=Goal|access-date=7 January 2016|archive-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109041327/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/141/asia/2012/02/22/2921053/journeyman-zesh-rehman-discusses-thailand-pakistan-and-his|url-status=live}}</ref> He made his home debut on 31 January, playing at right back, in a 2–0 home win over [[Grimsby Town F.C.|Grimsby Town]] at [[Valley Parade]].<ref name="ta4092136">{{cite news |last=Parker |first=Simon |title=Jones' luck turns as he breaks City jinx |date=2 February 2009 |work=[[Telegraph & Argus]] |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4092136.Jones__luck_turns_as_he_breaks_City_jinx/ |access-date=2 February 2009 |archive-date=3 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203094049/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4092136.Jones__luck_turns_as_he_breaks_City_jinx/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In March he turned down the chance to play for Pakistan in the [[AFC Challenge Cup|Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup]] [[2010 AFC Challenge Cup qualification|qualifiers]] in order to help Bradford's push for promotion.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rehman chooses club over country |date=27 March 2009 |publisher=BBC |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7967835.stm |access-date=12 June 2009 |archive-date=11 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111012541/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7967835.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 26 January 2009, Rehman signed a loan deal with League Two club [[2008–09 Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]], which was to last until the end of the [[Bradford City A.F.C. season|2008–09 season]].<ref name="bbc7851147">{{cite news |title=Bradford sign QPR defender Rehman |publisher=BBC |date=26 January 2009
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7851147.stm |accessdate=26 January 2009}}</ref> Rehman had turned down a chance to move to [[Luton Town F.C.|Luton Town]] and team up with [[Mick Harford]], who was previously the assistant manager at QPR, and said he was only prepared to drop down to League Two if he joined Bradford City,<ref name="dt4922733">{{cite news |title=Big Mick missed Pakistan captain |date=28 January 2009 |work=Dunstable Gazette |url= http://www.dunstabletoday.co.uk/luton-sport/Big-Mick-missed-Pakistan-captain.4922733.jp |accessdate=29 January 2009}}</ref> whose new ambassador Omar Khan helped to engineer the move.<ref>{{cite news |title=Zesh Rehman appreciates significance of his arrival |date=27 January 2009 |publisher=[[Bradford City A.F.C.]]|url=http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1534230,00.html |accessdate=24 June 2009}}</ref> Rehman said of the move, "I was only prepared to drop down the leagues to play for this club. I spoke to the manager and chairmen and I know they want to get Bradford back up to where they belong. I’ve been involved in relegation battles in the past and it's nice to be joining a club pushing for promotion – that's a good pressure to have."<ref name="BTA4077568">{{cite news |last=Parker |first=Simon |title=Rehman hoping to prove a big draw |date=27 January 2009 |work=[[Telegraph & Argus]] |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcheadlines/4077568.Rehman_hoping_to_prove_a_big_draw/ |accessdate=28 January 2009}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> He made his debut the following day in a 1–0 defeat to [[Bury F.C.|Bury]] at [[Gigg Lane]], and in doing so became the first British Asian to play in all four divisions of professional football in England, something which he described in his online blog as "a momentous occasion" and expressed his hope that it inspires the next generation of [British] Asian footballers.<ref name="rehman010209">{{cite news|url=http://zeshrehmanblogspot.com/|title=League Milestone!|date=1 February 2009|publisher=Zesh Rehman|accessdate=2 February 2009}}</ref> He played at [[left back]], coming in for [[Luke O'Brien]], who had taken ill on the day of the match.<ref name="Lacklustre City punished by play-off rivals">{{cite news |last=Parker |first=Simon |title=Lacklustre City punished by play-off rivals |date=28 January 2009 |publisher=''[[Bradford Telegraph and Argus|Telegraph & Argus]]|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcheadlines/4080742.Lacklustre_City_punished_by_play_off_rivals/ |accessdate=28 January 2009}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> He made his home debut on 31 January, playing at right back, in a 2–0 home win over [[Grimsby Town F.C.|Grimsby Town]] at [[Valley Parade]].<ref name="ta4092136">{{cite news |last=Parker |first=Simon |title=Jones' luck turns as he breaks City jinx |date=2 February 2009 |work=[[Telegraph & Argus]]|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4092136.Jones__luck_turns_as_he_breaks_City_jinx/ |accessdate=2 February 2009}}</ref> In March he turned down the chance to play for Pakistan in the [[AFC Challenge Cup|Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup]] [[2010 AFC Challenge Cup qualification|qualifiers]] in order to help Bradford's push for promotion.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rehman chooses club over country |date=27 March 2009 |publisher=BBC |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7967835.stm |accessdate=12 June 2009}}</ref>


===Bradford City===
===Bradford City===
{{Quote box | width=30% | align=right | quote= "It's all about feeling wanted and appreciated as a player and this feels like my club."|source= <small>Zesh Rehman, 20&nbsp;May 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4379830.Zesh__It_s_great_to_be_a_wanted_man/|title=Zesh: It's great to be a wanted man |work=[[Telegraph & Argus]]|date=20 May 2009|accessdate=12 June 2009}}</ref> </small> }}
After being released by QPR on 19 May 2009,<ref>{{cite news | title = Miller among five released by QPR |publisher=BBC |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/8057426.stm | date = 19 May 2009 | accessdate =26 May 2009}}</ref>
Rehman signed a two-year deal with Bradford City on 19 June, saying of the move, "My gut feeling told me to sign for Bradford and I've absolutely no regrets. From day one I felt at home here. I'm fortunate enough to have played in all the divisions and I see this as the next step of my journey." The Bradford manager, [[Stuart McCall]] also revealed that Rehman had taken a large pay cut by joining the club, adding, "Zesh is certainly not signing for Bradford for money—he wants to be a success here, and it will be great to have him on board."<ref>{{cite news |title=Zesh Rehman agrees two-year deal|date=19 June 2009|publisher=[[Bradford City A.F.C.]]|url=http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1696166,00.html |accessdate=19 June 2009}}</ref> He scored his first goal for the club in a 2–2 draw with Barnet on 19 September 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8248975.stm |title=Barnet 2–2 Bradford |publisher=BBC |date=19 September 2009 |accessdate=2 April 2010}}</ref>


After leaving QPR on 19 May 2009,<ref name="Miller among five released by QPR">{{cite news | title = Miller among five released by QPR | publisher = BBC | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/8057426.stm | date = 19 May 2009 | access-date = 26 May 2009 | archive-date = 22 May 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090522195709/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/8057426.stm | url-status = live }}</ref>
Rehman was named club captain and team vice-captain at the start of the 2009–10 season and went on to play 42 games and skipper the side on 35 occasions during the season.{{Citation needed|date=December 2010}} He won the PFA Player in the Community awards on 25 March at The Football League Awards in recognition of his work as club captain in engaging the local community into the club across all levels.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.givemefootball.com/pfa/pfa-news/zesh-collects-pfa-player-in-the-community-award- |title=Zesh collects PFA Player in the Community award |first=Dave |last=Smith |publisher=Professional Footballers' Association |date=16 March 2010 |accessdate=6 February 2011}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> He later became club captain.<ref name="Rehman backed to remain Bradford captain">{{cite news |url=http://www.kickitout.org/1178.php |title=Rehman backed to remain Bradford captain |accessdate=6 February 2011 |publisher=Kick It Out!}}</ref>
Rehman signed a two-year deal with Bradford City on 19 June, saying of the move, "My gut feeling told me to sign for Bradford and I've absolutely no regrets. From day one I felt at home here. I'm fortunate enough to have played in all the divisions and I see this as the next step of my journey." The Bradford manager, [[Stuart McCall]] also revealed that Rehman had taken a large pay cut by joining the club, adding, "Zesh is certainly not signing for Bradford for money—he wants to be a success here, and it will be great to have him on board."<ref>{{cite web|title=Rehman: City move felt right|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4446507.Rehman__City_move_felt_right/|publisher=The Telegraph and Argus|access-date=1 June 2015|date=19 June 2009|archive-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109041327/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4446507.Rehman__City_move_felt_right/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bantams bag Rehman|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11688/5388357/bantams-bag-rehman|work=Sky Sports|access-date=1 June 2015|date=19 June 2009|archive-date=15 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815070137/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/5388357/bantams-bag-rehman|url-status=live}}</ref> He scored his first goal for the club in a 2–2 draw with Barnet on 19 September 2009.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8248975.stm |title=Barnet 2–2 Bradford |publisher=BBC |date=19 September 2009 |access-date=2 April 2010 |archive-date=11 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111012453/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8248975.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>


Rehman captained the club during the 2009–10 season<ref>{{cite news|title=Bradford City place Zesh Rehman on transfer list|date=2 December 2010|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/9251198.stm|publisher=BBC|access-date=1 June 2015|archive-date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216192602/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/9251198.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> and went on to play 42 games.<ref name="NT"/> He won the PFA Player in the Community awards on 25 March at The Football League Awards.<ref>{{cite web|title=Footballer gives Asian youths a helping hand|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2010/oct/13/zesh-rehman-football-asian-community|work=The Guardian|access-date=1 June 2015|date=13 October 2010|archive-date=3 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003060638/http://www.theguardian.com/society/2010/oct/13/zesh-rehman-football-asian-community|url-status=live}}</ref>
At the start of the following season new manager Peter Taylor kept Rehman as club captain hailing him a "supremely professional individual and a superb ambassador for the football club".<ref name="Rehman backed to remain Bradford captain"/> However, in December 2010, he was stripped of his captaincy and placed on the transfer list following a disciplinary matter.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8716491.Rehman_slapped_on_transfer_list/ |title=Rehman slapped on transfer list |date=2 December 2010 |accessdate=2 December 2010 |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |first=Simon |last=Parker}}</ref> He had played only 12 games up to that point of the season and said in the days before, "I'm not going to lie, it's left a bad taste in my mouth having to watch the last few games from the bench", but added, "At the end of the day, the manager has to pick the team that he thinks can win and you have to respect that and get on with it."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/9251198.stm |title=Bradford City place Zesh Rehman on transfer list |date=2 December 2010 |accessdate=2 December 2010 |work=BBC Sport }}</ref>

At the start of the following season new manager [[Peter Taylor (footballer, born 1953)|Peter Taylor]] kept Rehman as club captain hailing him a "supremely professional individual and a superb ambassador for the football club".<ref>{{cite web|title=Fulham visit brings back Rehman nightmares and 1983 memories – history|url=http://fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/16119/fulham-visit-brings-back-rehman-nightmares-and-1983-memories--history/images/rss#skipad|publisher=Fans Network|access-date=1 June 2015|date=2 October 2010|archive-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109041327/http://fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/16119/fulham-visit-brings-back-rehman-nightmares-and-1983-memories--history/images/rss#skipad|url-status=live}}</ref> Struggling to get playing time, making only 12 appearances, Rehman in an interview to ''[[BBC Radio]]'' said that he was not pleased to sit in the substitute bench in the past few matches. He also added that being the skipper of the team, his experience would help the team to perform.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bradford City place Zesh Rehman on transfer list|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/9251198.stm|publisher=BBC|access-date=7 January 2016|date=2 December 2010|archive-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109041327/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/9251198.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> For making these comments, he was stripped of his captainship and put in the transfer list.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rehman slapped on transfer list|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8716491.Rehman_slapped_on_transfer_list/|publisher=The Telegraph and Argus|access-date=7 January 2016|date=2 December 2010|archive-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109041328/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8716491.Rehman_slapped_on_transfer_list/|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Muangthong United===
===Muangthong United===
Rehman signed a two-year deal with Thai Premier League side [[Muangthong United F.C.|Muangthong United]] on 19 December 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thaileagueonline.com/news-4054-เรห์มาน%20เซ็นกิเลนแล้ว!%202ปี%20ทุบค่าเหนื่อยสถิติสโมสร.html |title=Rehman signed by Muangthong United (in Thai) |date=19 December 2010 |accessdate=19 December 2010 |publisher=Thai League Online}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtutd.tv/NewsDetail.asp?id=1988 |title=เมืองทองฯรุกหนักเซ็นอดีตตัวพรีเมียร์ลีก อังกฤษ "เชส เรย์มาน" ทุบสถิติค่าเหนื่อยสูงสุด อดีตทีมชาติสิงโตชุดยู 20 มั่นใจพาทีมโลด update 19/12/2010 17.04&nbsp;pm |date=19 December 2010 |accessdate=19 December 2010 |publisher=Muangthong United F.C.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/8747723.Bradford_City_defender_Rehman_heads_for_Far_East/ |title=Bradford City defender Rehman heads for Far East |date=20 December 2010 |accessdate=20 December 2010 |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |first=Simon |last=Parker}}</ref> He made his debut on 30 January 2011, in the King's Trophy against [[Chonburi F.C.|Chonburi Sharks]] at the [[Suphachalasai Stadium]]; his new side lost 2–1.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/219022/chonburi-sharks-take-the-king-trophy |title=Chonburi Sharks take the King's Trophy |newspaper=Bangkok Post |date=31 January 2011 |accessdate=6 February 2011}}</ref> His appearance made him the first Pakistan international to play in Thailand.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.srtrc.org/news/news-and-events?news=1882 |title=New Zesh Rehman interview |publisher=Show Racism The Red Card |accessdate=6 February 2011}}</ref> He played 30 games for Muangthong.{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}}
Rehman signed a two-year deal with Thai Premier League side [[Muangthong United F.C.|Muangthong United]] on 19 December 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtutd.tv/NewsDetail.asp?id=1988 |title=เมืองทองฯรุกหนักเซ็นอดีตตัวพรีเมียร์ลีก อังกฤษ "เชส เรย์มาน" ทุบสถิติค่าเหนื่อยสูงสุด อดีตทีมชาติสิงโตชุดยู 20 มั่นใจพาทีมโลด update 19/12/2010 17.04&nbsp;pm |date=19 December 2010 |access-date=19 December 2010 |publisher=Muangthong United F.C. |archive-date=6 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110206110529/http://mtutd.tv/NewsDetail.asp?id=1988 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/8747723.Bradford_City_defender_Rehman_heads_for_Far_East/ |title=Bradford City defender Rehman heads for Far East |date=20 December 2010 |access-date=20 December 2010 |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |first=Simon |last=Parker |archive-date=2 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002182043/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/8747723.Bradford_City_defender_Rehman_heads_for_Far_East/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his debut on 30 January 2011, in the King's Trophy against [[Chonburi F.C.|Chonburi Sharks]] at the [[Suphachalasai Stadium]]; his new side lost 2–1.<ref name="Pak"/> His appearance made him the first Pakistan international to play in Thailand.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.srtrc.org/news/news-and-events?news=1882 |title=New Zesh Rehman interview |publisher=Show Racism the Red Card |access-date=6 February 2011 |archive-date=28 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728053829/http://www.srtrc.org/news/news-and-events?news=1882 |url-status=dead }}</ref> About his debut Rehman commented "I can honestly say I loved the experience. The passion from the 40,000 fans in the crowd made it a day to remember".<ref>{{cite web|title=Zesh Rehman|url=http://www.srtrc.org/about/players-views?id=1881|publisher=Show Racism the Red Card|access-date=1 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714090220/http://www.srtrc.org/about/players-views?id=1881|archive-date=14 July 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> During his stint in the club, it was managed by English striker [[Robbie Fowler]]. He made a total of thirty league appearances for the Thai club.<ref name="NFT"/>


===Kitchee===
===Kitchee===
Rehman signed a deal with [[Hong Kong First Division League]] side [[Kitchee SC|Kitchee]] on 11 January 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hkdailynews.com.hk/sports.php?id=204337 |title=傑志巴基斯坦國腳亮相 |date=11 January 2012 |accessdate=12 January 2012 |publisher=Hong Kong Daily News |language=Chinese}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://paper.wenweipo.com/2012/01/11/SP1201110029.htm |title=傑志羅致前英超球員 |date=11 January 2012 |accessdate=11 January 2012 |publisher=Wen Wei Po |language=Chinese}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.singpao.com/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=214142&Lang=tc |title=列文加盟港甲聯傑志 |date=11 January 2012 |accessdate=11 January 2012 |publisher=Sing Pao |language=Chinese}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> He made his debut in a 2–1 win over [[Sun Hei SC]] on 31 January.<ref>http://www.soccerway.com/matches/2012/03/15/hong-kong/hkfa-1st-division/kitchee-fc/sham-shui-po-sports-/1232044/</ref> Rehman scored his first goal for his new club in the [[2012 AFC Cup|AFC Cup]] against [[Song Lam Nghe An F.C.|Song Lam Nghe An]] of [[Vietnam]].<ref>http://www.the-afc.com/en/tournaments/clubs/afc-cup/936-afc-cup-2012/38605-kitchee-v-song-lam-nghe-an</ref><ref>http://www.the-afc.com/en/afc-cup-2012-schedule-results?fixtureid=6069&stageid=229&tMode=H&view=ajax&show=matchsummary</ref> Rehman won his first piece of [[Silverware (sport)|silverware]] of his Hong Kong career by playing a leading role in Kitchees 2–1 [[2011–12 Hong Kong League Cup|League Cup]] win over cloes rivals [[TSW Pegasus FC|TSW Pegasus]] at the [[Mong Kok Stadium]] on 15 April 2012.<ref>http://www.hkfa.com/includes_files/board_details.php?news_id=9499</ref><ref>http://www.hkfa.com/en/match_result.php?match_date=2012-04-15&match_id=10537</ref> Rehman helped Kitchee retain the [[Hong Kong First Division League]] title with a 4–1 victory over [[Biu Chun Rangers]] in the last league game to clinch the title, it was his second trophy for the club and it put them in pole position to complete the domestic treble in Hong Kong<ref>http://www.espnstar.com/football/asian-football/news/detail/item804597/Rehman-revels-in-Kitchee-title-success/</ref> Rehman and Kitchee finished the season in impressive fashion by overcoming Pegagus after penalty kicks to win [[2011–12 Hong Kong FA Cup|The FA Cup]] Final at The [[Hong Kong Stadium]]. The victory was a historic moment for the club as Kitchee were crowned domestic treble winners, a feat that has never been matched by a Hong Kong club.<ref>http://www.hkfa.com/includes_files/board_details.php?news_id=9632</ref><ref>http://www.hkfa.com/en/match_result.php?match_date=2012-05-26&match_id=10813</ref> Rehman made it into the Hong Kong BMA First Division League team of the season at The HKFA Annual Awards dinner.<ref>http://www.hkfa.com/includes_files/board_details.php?news_id=9634</ref> On 29 August 2012 Rehman played the full game in a [[Exhibition_game|pre-season friendly]] against [[English Premier League]] giants {{fc|Arsenal}} in front of a 40,000 crowd defending admirably as the Hong Kong Champions drew 2–2 with the Gunners at The [[Hong Kong Stadium]].<ref>http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/173289/first-team/kitchee-fc-v-arsenal?tab=report</ref><ref>http://www.hkfa.com/includes_files/board_details.php?news_id=9726</ref> The excellent performance by Kitchee gained praise from Arsenal Manager [[Arsène Wenger]].<ref>http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/-we-got-what-we-wanted-a-good-challenge-</ref> on 11th May 2013 Rehman won his fourth piece of silverware as a Kitchee player by helping his side retain The FA Cup in a hard fought 1-0 victory over last years beaten finalists Pegagus.<ref>http://www.hkfa.com/includes_files/board_details.php?news_id=10657</ref> On 14th May Rehman helped Kicthee to progress to the quarter finals of The AFC Cup by beating Malaysian Super League Champions 2-0. Its was History created for Kitchee to progress to this stage of regional competition.<ref>http://www.the-afc.com/en/tournaments/clubs/afc-cup/25936-kelantan-kitchee-140513.html</ref> On the 26th May 2013 Rehman helped Kitchee beat Tuen Mun 3-0 in the final of the play off to ensure his teams passage into The AFC Cup 2014. It was Rehman 55th game for the club signing.<ref>http://m.hkfa.com/en/board_details.php?news_id=10692</ref>
Rehman signed a deal with [[Hong Kong First Division League]] side [[Kitchee SC|Kitchee]] on 11 January 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://paper.wenweipo.com/2012/01/11/SP1201110029.htm |script-title=zh:傑志羅致前英超球員 |date=11 January 2012 |access-date=11 January 2012 |publisher=Wen Wei Po |language=zh |archive-date=28 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228191236/http://paper.wenweipo.com/2012/01/11/SP1201110029.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his debut in a 2–1 win over [[Sun Hei SC|Sun Hei]] on 31 January.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/03/15/hong-kong/hkfa-1st-division/kitchee-fc/sham-shui-po-sports-/1232044/ |title=Kitchee vs. Sham Shui Po – 15 March 2012 |publisher=Soccerway |date=15 March 2012 |access-date=28 February 2014 |archive-date=24 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024114806/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/03/15/hong-kong/hkfa-1st-division/kitchee-fc/sham-shui-po-sports-/1232044/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Rehman scored his first goal for his new club in the [[2012 AFC Cup|AFC Cup]] against [[Sông Lam Nghệ An F.C.|Sông Lam Nghệ An]] of [[Vietnam]].<ref name="SW"/> Rehman won his first piece of [[Silverware (sport)|silverware]] of his Hong Kong career by playing a leading role in Kitchees 2–1 [[2011–12 Hong Kong League Cup|League Cup]] win over cloes rivals [[TSW Pegasus FC|TSW Pegasus]] at the [[Mong Kok Stadium]] on 15 April 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hkfa.com/includes_files/board_details.php?news_id=9499 |title=News : Halewinner League Cup FinalTSW Pegasus 1:2 Kitchee |publisher=HKFA |date=15 April 2012 |access-date=28 February 2014 |archive-date=11 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111012454/https://www.hkfa.com/?news_id=9499 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hkfa.com/en/match_result.php?match_date=2012-04-15&match_id=10537 |title=Hong Kong Football Association Ltd |publisher=Hkfa.com |date=15 April 2012 |access-date=28 February 2014 |archive-date=11 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111012522/https://www.hkfa.com/?match_date=2012-04-15&match_id=10537 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rehman helped Kitchee retain the [[Hong Kong First Division League]] title with a 4–1 victory over [[Biu Chun Rangers]] in the last league game to clinch the title, it was his second trophy for the club and it put them in pole position to complete the domestic treble in Hong Kong<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnstar.com/football/asian-football/news/detail/item804597/Rehman-revels-in-Kitchee-title-success/ |title=Asian Football News &#124; Rehman revels in Kitchee title success &#124; FOX SPORTS |publisher=Espnstar.com |date=20 May 2012 |access-date=28 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924002334/http://www.espnstar.com/football/asian-football/news/detail/item804597/Rehman-revels-in-Kitchee-title-success/ |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Rehman and Kitchee finished the season in impressive fashion by overcoming Pegasus after [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalties]] to win [[2011–12 Hong Kong FA Cup|Hong Kong FA Cup]] Final at The [[Hong Kong Stadium]]. The victory was a historic moment for the club as Kitchee were crowned domestic treble winners, a feat that has never been matched by a Hong Kong club.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hkfa.com/includes_files/board_details.php?news_id=9632 |title=News : 2011/12 FA CupTSW Pegasus 3:3 (penalty 3:5) Kitchee |publisher=HKFA |date=26 May 2012 |access-date=28 February 2014 |archive-date=11 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111012608/https://www.hkfa.com/?news_id=9632 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hkfa.com/en/match_result.php?match_date=2012-05-26&match_id=10813 |title=Hong Kong Football Association Ltd |publisher=Hkfa.com |date=26 May 2012 |access-date=28 February 2014 |archive-date=11 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111012523/https://www.hkfa.com/?match_date=2012-05-26&match_id=10813 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rehman made it into the Hong Kong BMA First Division League team of the season at The HKFA Annual Awards dinner.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hkfa.com/includes_files/board_details.php?news_id=9634 |title=News : 2011/12 HKFA Hong Kong Top Footballer Awards |publisher=HKFA |date=28 May 2012 |access-date=28 February 2014 |archive-date=11 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111012438/https://www.hkfa.com/?news_id=9634 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rehman also achieved the feat of becoming the first Pakistani player to play in AFC Cup.<ref>{{cite web|title=Is AFC Champions League's flawed format hurting Pakistan's growth?|date=2 October 2013|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1046743/is-afc-champions-leagues-flawed-format-hurting-pakistans-growth|publisher=Dawn|access-date=1 June 2015|archive-date=18 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518085919/http://www.dawn.com/news/1046743/is-afc-champions-leagues-flawed-format-hurting-pakistans-growth|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 29 August 2012 Rehman played the full game in a [[Exhibition game|pre-season friendly]] against [[Premier League]] giants [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] in front of a 40,000 crowd as the Hong Kong Champions drew 2–2 with the Gunners at The [[Hong Kong Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/173289/first-team/kitchee-fc-v-arsenal?tab=report |title=Kitchee FC v Arsenal &#124; Match News |publisher=Arsenal.com |date=29 July 2012 |access-date=28 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304101639/http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/173289/first-team/kitchee-fc-v-arsenal?tab=report |archive-date=4 March 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hkfa.com/includes_files/board_details.php?news_id=9726 |title=News : The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charity Trust Challenge CupKitchee 2:2 Arsenal (ENG) |publisher=HKFA |date=29 July 2012 |access-date=28 February 2014 |archive-date=11 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111012515/https://www.hkfa.com/?news_id=9726 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 11 May 2013 Rehman won the [[Hong Kong FA Cup]] through a 1–0 victory over last year finalist [[Sun Pegasus FC]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hkfa.com/includes_files/board_details.php?news_id=10657 |title=News : FA Cup FinalSun Pegasus 0:1 Kitchee |publisher=HKFA |date=11 May 2013 |access-date=28 February 2014 |archive-date=11 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111012510/https://www.hkfa.com/?news_id=10657 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 26 May 2013 Rehman helped Kitchee beat Tuen Mun 3–0 in the final of the play-off to ensure his teams passage into the AFC Cup 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://m.hkfa.com/en/board_details.php?news_id=10692 |title=香港足球總會 – 手機版 |publisher=M.hkfa.com |date=26 May 2013 |access-date=28 February 2014 |archive-date=9 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109041328/http://m.hkfa.com/en/board_details.php?news_id=10692 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rehman played fifteen league games for the club during the 2012/13 season, which was followed by six appearances in the next season.<ref name="SW"/>

===Pahang FA===
In December 2013, Rehman signed for Malaysian club [[Pahang FA]] on a two-year contract. His former club [[Kitchee SC|Kitchee]]'s president [[Ken Ng]] commented "Zesh has contributed hugely to Kitchee's success over the last 2 years and he will be truly missed". His new club's manager [[Zainal Abidin Hassan]] said that they were "delighted" as he "has chosen to come to Pahang ahead of several other teams."<ref>{{cite web|title=Rehman makes Malaysian Super League switch|url=http://www.thepfa.com/news/2013/12/9/rehman-makes-malaysian-switch|publisher=The PFA|access-date=1 June 2015|archive-date=3 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150603010901/http://www.thepfa.com/news/2013/12/9/rehman-makes-malaysian-switch|url-status=live}}</ref> He justified his reason of joining the club as "his destiny".<ref>{{cite web|title=Goal Malaysia's Hotseat with Aysha Ridzuan: Zesh Rehman enjoying life with Pahang|url=http://www.goal.com/en-my/news/3902/exclusives/2014/01/22/4561161/goal-malaysias-hotseat-with-aysha-ridzuan-zesh-rehman|publisher=Goal|access-date=1 June 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924152139/http://www.goal.com/en-my/news/3902/exclusives/2014/01/22/4561161/goal-malaysias-hotseat-with-aysha-ridzuan-zesh-rehman|url-status=live}}</ref> In his first season with the club, he won three trophies<ref name="FO">{{cite web|title=Exclusive: One on One with Pahang FA's Zesh Rehman|url=http://www.fourthofficial.com/football/exclusive-one-on-one-with-pahang-fas-zesh-rehman/|publisher=Fourth official|access-date=1 June 2015}}{{Dead link|date=August 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> – [[Malaysia Super League]], [[Malaysia FA Cup]] and [[Malaysia Cup]],<ref name="SW"/> thus winning qualification to the [[2015 AFC Cup]].<ref name="FO"/> In the cup, he played six times without scoring a goal.<ref name="SW"/>

{{Quote box
| quote = "Zesh served as an excellent player for Pahang for 3 years in a successful trophy winning team. His example and leadership to the young and local players was outstanding. The door for a future return is open anytime. We would love to see him back in a coaching role one day".
| source = <small>Pahang FC CEO and Vice President Datuk Akbar V V Abu.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/2903679/former-fulham-defender-zesh-|title=Ex-Fulham defender Zesh Rehman leaves MSL giants Pahang|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816171926/http://www.espnfc.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/2903679/former-fulham-defender-zesh-|url-status=live}}</ref> </small>
| align = right
| width = 30%
}}

On 28 June 2016, Zesh announce via his social media accounts he had amicably agreed to terminate with Pahang FC after a successful 3-year spell at the club.<ref name=":0" /> Zesh said, "I would love a future return in a coaching role, something which was offered to me at the start of this season but was not the right moment for me. I will be back to visit my sons birthplace of Kuantan. Pahang have the best fans in Malaysia & are by far the best I have played for. Leaving here on excellent terms with the hierarchy, fantastic memories & many formed friendships. Good luck to all the staff & team for the rest of the season. Thank you".<ref name=":0" />

===Gillingham===

On 23 February 2017, Rehman returned to English football by joining [[EFL League One|League One]] side [[Gillingham F.C.|Gillingham]] until the end of the 2016-17 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/article/2016-17/zesh-rehman-joins-the-gills-3589795.aspx|title=ZESH REHMAN JOINS THE GILLS|access-date=23 February 2017|archive-date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224053730/http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/article/2016-17/zesh-rehman-joins-the-gills-3589795.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Rehman made his debut for the club in a 2–1 Victory over [[Southend United F.C.|Southend]], drawing praise from manager [[Adrian Pennock]] for his performance and leadership after helping Gillingham avoid relegation from League One on the final day of the season with a 0-0 draw at Northampton.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/sport/pennock-gives-rehman-thumbs-up-121266/|title=Pennock gives Rehman thumbs up|date=28 February 2017|access-date=1 March 2017|archive-date=2 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302035909/http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/sport/pennock-gives-rehman-thumbs-up-121266/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Southern===
On 14 June 2017, Rehman announced via his Twitter page that he had signed with [[Southern District FC|Southern]], returning to Hong Kong for the first time since 2013.
Rehman chose Southern ahead of several other offers from around the world, citing the lure of working with head coach [[Cheng Siu Chung]] as the main attraction.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ex-Pahang captain Zesh Rehman joins Southern District in Hong Kong|url=http://www.espnfcasia.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/3143845/ex-pahang-captain-zesh-rehman-joins-southern-district-in-hong-kong|website=ESPN|access-date=15 June 2017|archive-date=24 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024152535/http://www.espnfcasia.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/3143845/ex-pahang-captain-zesh-rehman-joins-southern-district-in-hong-kong|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 28 April 2020, Southern announced an agreement with Rehman to extend his contract.<ref>{{cite web |title=冠忠南區新帥「大家都認識」 |url=https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/sport/20200428/bkn-20200428213023924-0428_00882_001.html |website=on.cc |access-date=28 April 2020 |archive-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606093910/https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/sport/20200428/bkn-20200428213023924-0428_00882_001.html |url-status=live }} {{in lang|zh-hk}}</ref>

==Coaching career==

===Southern===

On 16 May 2020, towards the end of the 2019-20 season when [[COVID-19|COVID]] started Rehman was named as a player-manager for Southern, achieving his first coaching role since obtaining his [[UEFA Pro License]]. He spent two seasons prior to this operating as a development coach working closely with the club's emerging youth prospects that won the U18 League and FA Youth Cup.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zeshan Rehman to be the head coach of KC Southern |url=https://www.facebook.com/HKSDFC/photos/a.442149522571199/2964183023701157/?type=3&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARATF9MX28dIMZSZD_ClwVUX1iYFjJDd89kQoJ2_WvSe1S1Ysw01F4wpMGa-p5km8ndw-QKakBiC3PgS2tSnaCXZIKAAyrdP4tfcOmzA3yKIUYoJftI7t5FHcOqqBsCOCAcsUY1lrskXWdJ_O1FpOuIPSrpMk4qzhE5bXuDYdtPcota9i70i1BH4P8F_dWJVj03sryKtskcckxnm46b6g6LL1kx7NQfV7iyWDhFzJGPG-xk58fRFmxHx9fbPpfews7K5JGWVaDmACgszXsif06YySk12rP1nNGEMalw3tNwbN-_vI7m8C1lh8roJRn6f8yke6XL9VHNsw_SA6HDEluw7vg&__tn__=-R |website=KC.Southern District Football Club |access-date=16 May 2020 |archive-date=11 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111012500/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHKSDFC%2Fphotos%2Fa.442149522571199%2F2964183023701157%2F%3Ftype%3D3%26__xts__%255B0%255D%3D68.ARATF9MX28dIMZSZD_ClwVUX1iYFjJDd89kQoJ2_WvSe1S1Ysw01F4wpMGa-p5km8ndw-QKakBiC3PgS2tSnaCXZIKAAyrdP4tfcOmzA3yKIUYoJftI7t5FHcOqqBsCOCAcsUY1lrskXWdJ_O1FpOuIPSrpMk4qzhE5bXuDYdtPcota9i70i1BH4P8F_dWJVj03sryKtskcckxnm46b6g6LL1kx7NQfV7iyWDhFzJGPG-xk58fRFmxHx9fbPpfews7K5JGWVaDmACgszXsif06YySk12rP1nNGEMalw3tNwbN-_vI7m8C1lh8roJRn6f8yke6XL9VHNsw_SA6HDEluw7vg%26__tn__%3D-R |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 30 May 2021, Rehman completed his first full season as player head coach leading Southern to a 5th place mid-table finish, a remarkable achievement in the duo role while operating on the lowest budget in the league, working with the youngest coaching team and himself being the youngest head coach in the Hong Kong Premier League.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3135461/happy-valley-relegated-and-rangers-win-bonus-hong-kong-premier|title = Happy Valley 'relegated' as Hong Kong Premier League season ends|date = 31 May 2021|access-date = 1 June 2021|archive-date = 2 June 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210602161155/https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3135461/happy-valley-relegated-and-rangers-win-bonus-hong-kong-premier|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.offside.hk/uncategorized/zesh-rehman-the-majority-of-hong-kong-clubs-including-southern-have-had-to-make-huge-budget-cuts-in-order-to-survive/ |title=Zesh Rehman: "The Majority of Hong Kong clubs including Southern have had to make huge budget cuts in order to survive" – offside.hk<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=17 August 2021 |archive-date=15 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815050826/https://www.offside.hk/uncategorized/zesh-rehman-the-majority-of-hong-kong-clubs-including-southern-have-had-to-make-huge-budget-cuts-in-order-to-survive/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In January 2022, at the halfway point of the new season, Rehman guided Southern to the top of the league with the second-highest number of goals scored, the best defensive record in the league, and the most clean sheets beating Asian Champions league side Kitchee and last years league runners up Eastern along the way. Southern was also in the top three of the Sapling Cup League.

In May 2022 Rehman announced his retirement, and called time on a 21 year playing career which spanned two decades across several countries. He described his time as an amazing experience both on and off the pitch.<ref>{{Cite web |last=FC |first=Fulham |date=2022-05-27 |title=Zesh Rehman Announces His Retirement From Football |url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/may/27/Zesh-Rehman-Announces-His-Retirement-From-Football/ |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=Fulham FC}}</ref>

===Portsmouth===
Having finished his playing career, in June 2022 Rehman took a role with Portsmouth FC as U18 Coach.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/football-news/zesh-rehman-fulham-portsmouth-academy-7234453 | title=Former Fulham defender Zesh Rehman joins Portsmouth in new academy role | date=21 June 2022 }}</ref>

In January 2023, after the dismissal of [[Danny Cowley]] and [[Nicky Cowley]] as head coach and assistant head coach, Rehman became interim first team assistant manager.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/news/2023/january/andrew-cullen-update-on-managerial-change/|title=Andrew Cullen Update On Managerial Change|website=www.portsmouthfc.co.uk}}</ref>

Rehman remained in the interim assistant head coach role after the appointment of [[John Mousinho]] as the new head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pompey Appoint John Mousinho As Head Coach |url=https://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/news/2023/january/pompey-appoint-john-mousinho-as-head-coach/ |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=www.portsmouthfc.co.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref>

The pairs first game in charge resulted in a 2-0 home win against visitors Exeter City on Saturday 21 January 2023, their first EFL League One home win since 3 September 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Portsmouth vs Exeter City on 21 Jan 23 - Match Centre - Portsmouth |url=https://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/matches/fixtures/first-team/202223/january/portsmouth-vs-exeter-city-on-21-jan-23/ |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=www.portsmouthfc.co.uk}}</ref> Three days later on 24 January 2023, Portsmouth travelled to [[Fleetwood Town F.C.|Fleetwood Town]] and defeated them 0-2, their first EFL League One away win since 22 October 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fleetwood Town vs Portsmouth on 24 Jan 23 - Match Centre - Portsmouth |url=https://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/matches/fixtures/first-team/202223/january/fleetwood-town-vs-portsmouth-on-07-jan-23/ |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=www.portsmouthfc.co.uk}}</ref>

On March 23, 2023 Rehman was announced as the First Team Development Coach.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Role For Zesh |url=https://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/news/2023/march/new-role-for-zesh/ |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=www.portsmouthfc.co.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref> During the season, Rehman became the first British Pakistani former player to be working as a coach within a first-team set-up across the English professional leagues.


==International career==
==International career==
Rehman originally represented England, and played for them at [[England national under-18 football team|under-18]], [[England national under-19 football team|under-19]] and [[England national under-20 football team|under-20]] levels.<ref>{{cite news |title = Flown From The Nest – Zesh Rehman | publisher=Ex-Canaries.co.uk | url = http://www.ex-canaries.co.uk/players/rehman.htm | accessdate =23 June 2009}}</ref> Becoming the first English-born Pakistani to don an England senior football shirt seemed too far away, however, due to lack of first team opportunities at Fulham. Due to his Pakistani parentage, and because he possessed dual Pakistani and British nationality, Rehman also qualified to represent Pakistan, and he eventually opted to play for them, as he considered it to be a more realistic option.<ref name="proud to play for Pakistan"/> A lot of British Asian groups were against this and wanted him to fight more for an England place to set a standard for English-Asian youth.<ref name="pfa-role"/><ref name="proud to play for Pakistan">{{cite news| title=Proud to play for Pakistan|publisher=Kick It Out| last=Rashid| first=Zohaib| url=http://www.kickitout.org/383.php|accessdate=24 June 2009}}</ref>
Rehman originally represented England, and played for them at [[England national under-18 football team|under-18]], [[England national under-19 football team|under-19]] and [[England national under-20 football team|under-20]] levels.<ref>{{cite news |title = Flown From The Nest – Zesh Rehman |publisher = Ex-Canaries.co.uk |url = http://www.ex-canaries.co.uk/players/rehman.htm |access-date = 23 June 2009 |archive-date = 8 August 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080808140307/http://www.ex-canaries.co.uk/players/rehman.htm |url-status = live }}</ref> Becoming the first English-born Pakistani to don an England senior football shirt seemed too far away, however, due to lack of first team opportunities at Fulham. Due to his Pakistani parentage, and because he possessed dual Pakistani and British nationality, Rehman also qualified to represent Pakistan, and he eventually opted to play for them, as he considered it to be a more realistic option.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Neil Farrington, Daniel Kilvington, John Price|title=Race, Racism and Sports Journalism|year=2012|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9780415676403|page=126}}</ref> A lot of British Asian groups were against this and wanted him to fight more for an England place to set a standard for English-Asian youth.<ref name="pfa-role"/>


It was, however, an unrealistic aspiration.<ref name="pfa-role"/> With that in mind, and with the blessings of his father, Rehman made his international debut for Pakistan in a 1–0 win over [[Sri Lanka national football team|Sri Lanka]] in the [[South Asian Football Federation Gold Cup 2005|2005]] [[SAFF Championship|South Asian Football Federation Championship]] on 7 December 2005 at the [[Peoples Football Stadium]] in [[Karachi]].<ref name="footballpakistan3032">{{cite news | last = Safi | first = Alam Zeb | title = Foreign coaches can lift football’s graph: Zesh Rehman | publisher=Football Pakistan | date = 6 July 2008 | url = http://www.footballpakistan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3032&Itemid=43 | accessdate =26 October 2008}}</ref> Rehman described his international debut as one of the best memories he has in football, adding, "The reception I received from the first moment till the last was unforgettable. I felt loved, appreciated, respected and wanted and most of all the interest in football really grew immensely."<ref name="footballpakistan2563">{{cite news | last = Naveed | first = Malik Riaz Hai | title = Exclusive Interview with Zesh Rehman | publisher=Football Pakistan | date = 17 October 2007 | url = http://www.footballpakistan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2563&Itemid=43 | accessdate =26 October 2008}}</ref> Pakistan ultimately reached the semi-finals before losing out to [[Bangladesh national football team|Bangladesh]] 1–0.<ref>{{cite news | title = South Asian Gold Cup 2005 (Karachi, Pakistan) | publisher=[[Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation]] | url = http://www.rsssf.com/tabless/saffgold05.html | accessdate =20 May 2009}}</ref>
It was, however, an unrealistic aspiration.<ref name="pfa-role"/> With that in mind, and with the blessings of his father, Rehman was approached by Malik Riaz Hai Naveed, a young football manager and made his international debut for Pakistan in a 1–0 win over [[Sri Lanka national football team|Sri Lanka]] in the [[South Asian Football Federation Gold Cup 2005|2005]] [[SAFF Championship|South Asian Football Federation Championship]] on 7 December 2005 at the [[Peoples Football Stadium]] in [[Karachi]]. Pakistan ultimately reached the semi-finals before losing out to [[Bangladesh national football team|Bangladesh]] 1–0.<ref>{{cite news |title=South Asian Gold Cup 2005 (Karachi, Pakistan) |publisher=[[Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation]] |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/saffgold05.html |url-status=live |access-date=20 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224024944/http://rsssf.com/tabless/saffgold05.html |archive-date=24 December 2017}}</ref>


{{Quote box
In that short space of time Rehman helped to raise the profile of the game in Pakistan, encouraging youngsters to play the game and also help to raise the profile of Pakistan in the United Kingdom and on a global stage.<ref name="pfa-summer">{{cite news | last = Ahsan | first = Ali | title = Zesh is a perfect role model, Rehman hopes to manage his country one day | publisher=Football Pakistan | date = 2 October 2008 | url = http://www.footballpakistan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3186&Itemid=43 | accessdate =15 May 2009}}</ref>
| quote = "The reception I received from the first moment till the last was unforgettable. I felt loved, appreciated, respected and wanted and most of all the interest in football really grew immensely."
| source = <small>—Rehman, on his international debut with Pakistan.</small>
| align = left
| width = 30%
}}


Rehman was named in the Pakistan squad for the [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC first round|World Cup 2010 qualifiers]] against [[Iraq national football team|Iraq]] in October 2007, and played the match in [[Lahore]] but could not help contain the current Asian champions Iraq from winning 7–0. In the second leg on 28 October he captained Pakistan to a 0–0 draw.<ref name="footballpakistan3032"/>
Rehman was named in the Pakistan squad for the [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC first round|2010 World Cup qualifying]] matches against [[Iraq national football team|Iraq]] in October 2007, and played the match in [[Lahore]] but could not help contain Asian champions Iraq from winning 7–0. In the second leg on 28 October he captained Pakistan to a 0–0 draw. However, he also had to withdraw from the squad for the [[SAFF Championship 2008]] when he came down with [[food poisoning]].<ref name="pfa-summer">{{cite news|last=Smith |first=Dave |title=After a disappointing summer, Zesh has high hopes for next season |publisher=[[Professional Footballers' Association]] |date=24 June 2008 |url=http://www.givemefootball.com/scottish-premier-league/after-a-disappointing-summer-zesh-has-high-hopes-f |access-date=26 October 2008 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> After nearly four years out, Rehman returned to the Pakistan team for the [[2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualification#Group B|2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers]].<ref>{{cite web|title=AFC Challenge Cup 2012 Qualifiers: Know Your Rivals – India's Group B Opponents|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/3618/afc-challenge-cup-2012/2011/03/20/2402860/afc-challenge-cup-2012-qualifiers-know-your-rivals-indias|publisher=Goal|access-date=1 June 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150014/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/3618/afc-challenge-cup-2012/2011/03/20/2402860/afc-challenge-cup-2012-qualifiers-know-your-rivals-indias|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== 2013–19 ===
Due to club commitments and injury he had to miss out on the [[2008 AFC Challenge Cup qualification|2008 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers]] for Pakistan, a situation that proved costly for the national team as defensive blunders cost them the chance of qualifying despite a promising start to the campaign.<ref>{{cite news| last = Ali|first=Shazad|title = Zesh Rehman unavailable for national team| publisher=The Dawn Media Group | date = 21 March 2009 | url = http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/sport/zesh-rehman-unavailable-for-national-team-ha | accessdate =15 May 2009}}</ref> He also had to withdraw from the squad for the [[SAFF Championship 2008]] when he came down with food poisoning.<ref name="pfa-summer">{{cite news | last = Smith | first = Dave | title = After a disappointing summer, Zesh has high hopes for next season | publisher=[[Professional Footballers' Association]] | date = 24 June 2008 | url = http://www.givemefootball.com/scottish-premier-league/after-a-disappointing-summer-zesh-has-high-hopes-f | accessdate =26 October 2008}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
In September 2013 Rehman represented Pakistan at the SAFF Championship which was held in Nepal. He played all of the games for Pakistan who narrowly missed out on a semi-final spot despite beating [[Bangladesh national football team|Bangladesh]] in the last group game.<ref>{{cite web |last=Raheel |first=Natasha |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/600400/saff-championship-pakistan-crash-out-despite-beating-bangladesh/ |title=SAFF Championship: Pakistan crash out despite beating Bangladesh – The Express Tribune |publisher=Tribune.com.pk |date=5 September 2013 |access-date=28 February 2014 |archive-date=21 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221235055/http://tribune.com.pk/story/600400/saff-championship-pakistan-crash-out-despite-beating-bangladesh/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His commanding displays during the tournament earned him a place in the Team of the Tournament.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goalnepal.com/news.php?id=16030 |title=SAFF Championship 2013: Team of the Tournament – Read & Comment |publisher=GoalNepal.com |date=12 September 2013 |access-date=28 February 2014 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222144652/http://www.goalnepal.com/news.php?id=16030 |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2013, Rehman captained Pakistan in both of their games at The Peace Cup held in the Philippines, and scored the winning goal in the opener against [[Chinese Taipei national football team|Chinese Taipei]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1049474/zesh-shines-as-pakistan-triumph-against-chinese-taipei |title=Zesh shines as Pakistan triumph against Chinese Taipei |publisher=Dawn.Com |date=14 October 2013 |access-date=28 February 2014 |archive-date=15 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115044304/http://dawn.com/news/1049474/zesh-shines-as-pakistan-triumph-against-chinese-taipei |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Raheel |first=Natasha |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/617647/pakistan-overcome-chinese-taipei-in-opener/ |title=Pakistan overcome Chinese Taipei in opener – The Express Tribune |publisher=Tribune.com.pk |date=14 October 2013 |access-date=28 February 2014 |archive-date=18 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018051656/http://tribune.com.pk/story/617647/pakistan-overcome-chinese-taipei-in-opener/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


In September 2018 played in his final SAFF Tournament for Pakistan in Bangladesh since his first game in the competition some 13 years earlier. He played all of the games helping the team progress to the semi-final stage of the competition against rivals India.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://inews.co.uk/news/world/losing-to-india-is-a-major-disaster-in-pakistan-except-when-its-at-football-197444|title = Losing to India is a major disaster in Pakistan - except at football|date = 14 September 2018|access-date = 16 June 2021|archive-date = 26 October 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201026110523/https://inews.co.uk/news/world/losing-to-india-is-a-major-disaster-in-pakistan-except-when-its-at-football-197444|url-status = live}}</ref>
After nearly four years out, Rehman returned to the Pakistan team for the [[2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualification#Group B|2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers]] where he played twice.<ref>[http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/zesh-answers-the-call-to-go-back-on-the-internatio "Zesh answers the call to go back on the international stage"]</ref><ref>[http://www.dawn.com/2011/03/13/pff-calls-on-overseas-experience-for-afc-qualifiers.html "PFF calls on overseas experience for AFC qualifiers"]</ref>


In June 2019 Zesh Captained the team for the [[2022 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)|2022 Asian World Cup Qualifiers]] against [[Cambodia national football team|Cambodia]] over two legs. Pakistan fell short of a place in the group stage of the competition with consecutive defeats in Phnom Penh and in Doha, this was his final game in an international shirt.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1487803|title=Pakistan's FIFA World Cup qualifying agony continues with Cambodia loss|date=13 June 2019|access-date=16 June 2021|archive-date=24 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024174652/https://www.dawn.com/news/1487803|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Michael chopra.jpg|thumb|right|Rehman questioned the decision to leave Chopra out of the England squad]]

=== Controversy ===
{{Quote box
| quote = "Why wasn't (Chopra) picked ahead of Dave Nugent? He's the top goal scorer in the Championship but he can't get in (the England set-up). So he needs to maybe look at his decision and go play for India instead of hanging on to the dream of playing for England, because it's not going to happen, end of discussion."
| source = <small>Rehman on an interview with [[Eastern Eye]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Chopra the wrong choice for India|url=http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/sport-comment/chopra-the-wrong-choice-for-india#page2|publisher=The National|access-date=2 June 2015|date=26 November 2010|archive-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109041328/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/sport-comment/chopra-the-wrong-choice-for-india#page2|url-status=live}}</ref> </small>
| align = right
| width = 30%
}}


Rehman caused some controversy in 2007 when in an interview with the British weekly newspaper the ''[[Eastern Eye (newspaper)|Eastern Eye]]'' he said that players of Asian descent should consider sticking to their roots rather than dreaming of playing for England. Rehman pointed to [[Michael Chopra]], then with [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]], who had been overlooked to play for [[England national football team|England]] despite being the top scorer in the Championship, yet [[David Nugent]], who was then at fellow Championship club [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston North End]], was picked. Rehman claimed "Why wasn’t (Chopra) picked ahead of Dave Nugent? He's the top goal scorer in the Championship but he can’t get in (the England set-up). So he needs to maybe look at his decision and go play for India instead of hanging on to the dream of playing for England, because it's not going to happen, end of discussion."<ref name="proud to play for Pakistan"/> Rehman though criticised ''Eastern Eye'' for how they reported his views, saying, "I’m pleased with my decision (to play for Pakistan) but I had a problem, especially with ''Eastern Eye''. You said I turned my back on England. I didn’t like the way that came across. If [as an Asian] you are not getting opportunities (to play for England) when you are playing in the Premier League, then Asian players are always going to be overlooked. When it comes to it, they need to stick to their roots."<ref name="easyerneye-zesh">{{cite news | title = Pak it in |work=[[Eastern Eye (newspaper)|Eastern Eye]] | date = 6 April 2007 | url = http://www.easterneyeonline.co.uk <!--EXACT PAGE NEEDS ADDING--> | accessdate =26 October 2008 | archiveurl =http://web.archive.org/web/20081020003234/http://www.easterneyeonline.co.uk/ <!--Added by H3llBot--> | archivedate =20 October 2008}}</ref>
Rehman caused controversy in 2007 when in an interview with the British weekly newspaper the ''[[Eastern Eye (newspaper)|Eastern Eye]]'' he said that players of Asian descent should consider sticking to their roots rather than dreaming of playing for England. Rehman pointed to [[Michael Chopra]] and [[David Nugent]], who both were top scorers in the Championship, but Nugent was called up for [[England national football team|England]] while Chopra was not.<ref>{{cite web |date=26 November 2010 |title=Chopra the wrong choice for India |url=http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/sport-comment/chopra-the-wrong-choice-for-india#page2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109041328/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/sport-comment/chopra-the-wrong-choice-for-india#page2 |archive-date=9 January 2016 |access-date=2 June 2015 |publisher=The National}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Rehman has said that, his "sole purpose in trying to be a success as a professional footballer is to inspire other Asian players to follow my lead and achieve their goals."<ref name="pfa-role">{{cite news | last = Smith | first = Dave | title = Zesh is a perfect role model – Captain of Pakistan, Rehman hopes to manage his country one day | publisher=[[Professional Footballers' Association]] | date = 2 October 2008 | url = http://www.givemefootball.com/pfa/pfa-news/zesh-is-a-perfect-role-model | accessdate =26 October 2008 | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20081007024229/http://www.givemefootball.com/pfa/pfa-news/zesh-is-a-perfect-role-model <!--Added by H3llBot--> | archivedate = 7 October 2008}}</ref> He is an ambassador for the Asian Football Network (AFN), a grassroots community-led initiative designed to support and facilitate the development of grassroots Asian football in the UK.<ref>{{cite news | title = Zesh Rehman Partners | publisher=Zeshrehman.com | url = http://www.zeshrehman.com/partners.htm | accessdate =24 June 2009}}</ref> He has also worked with the [[Professional Footballers' Association]] (PFA) to try to increase the number of British Asians taking up a career in professional football, and has attended meetings with the PFA in order to achieve this goal.<ref name="pfa-about">{{cite news | last = Pound | first = Simone | title = Players United Against Racism | publisher=[[Professional Footballers' Association]] | url = http://www.givemefootball.com/pfa/about-the-pfa/pfa-and-anti-racism | accessdate =26 October 2008 | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080928073951/http://www.givemefootball.com/pfa/about-the-pfa/pfa-and-anti-racism <!--Added by H3llBot--> | archivedate = 28 September 2008}}</ref> In January 2007 he took part in the London 'One Game' initiative held at [[The Football Association|The FA]] headquarters in [[Soho Square]], London.<ref name="pfa-grassroots">{{cite news | title = Football stars urge grassroots involvement in London 'One Game' evening | publisher=[[Professional Footballers' Association]] | date = 1 January 2007 | url = http://www.givemefootball.com/pfa/pfa-news/football-stars-urge-grassroots-involvement-in-lond | accessdate =26 October 2008}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> He has also been involved in the [[Show Racism The Red Card]] campaign and he has taken part in [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]'s "Search for an Asian Star" campaign.<ref name="people93463"/> On 12 July 2008, he took part in the [[Islam Expo]] event at the [[Olympia, London|Olympia]] [[Convention center|exhibition centre]] in [[West Kensington, London]], a four-day event whose primary purpose was to build bridges between Britain's Muslim communities and the rest of society. Rehman took part in a panel giving feedback from his own experiences about the positive use of sport.<ref>{{cite news | title = F.A. Support Islam Expo Event 11–14&nbsp;July&nbsp;08 | publisher=Zesh Rehman's blog | date = 12 July 2008 | url = http://zeshrehman.blogspot.com/2008/07/islam-expo-at-london-olympia-11-14-july.html | accessdate =15 May 2009}}</ref>
Rehman has said that, his "sole purpose in trying to be a success as a professional footballer is to inspire other Asian players to follow my lead and achieve their goals."<ref name="pfa-role">{{cite news|last=Smith |first=Dave |title=Zesh is a perfect role model – Captain of Pakistan, Rehman hopes to manage his country one day |publisher=[[Professional Footballers' Association]] |date=2 October 2008 |url=http://www.givemefootball.com/pfa/pfa-news/zesh-is-a-perfect-role-model |access-date=26 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007024229/http://www.givemefootball.com/pfa/pfa-news/zesh-is-a-perfect-role-model |archive-date=7 October 2008 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> He is an ambassador for the Asian Football Network (AFN), a grassroots community-led initiative designed to support and facilitate the development of grassroots Asian football in the UK.<ref>{{cite news | title = Zesh Rehman Partners | publisher = Zeshrehman.com | url = http://www.zeshrehman.com/partners.htm | access-date = 24 June 2009 | archive-date = 5 August 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090805033955/http://www.zeshrehman.com/partners.htm | url-status = live }}</ref> He has also worked with the [[Professional Footballers' Association]] (PFA) to try to increase the number of British Asians taking up a career in professional football, and has attended meetings with the PFA in order to achieve this goal.<ref name="pfa-about">{{cite news|last=Pound |first=Simone |title=Players United Against Racism |publisher=[[Professional Footballers' Association]] |url=http://www.givemefootball.com/pfa/about-the-pfa/pfa-and-anti-racism |access-date=26 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928073951/http://www.givemefootball.com/pfa/about-the-pfa/pfa-and-anti-racism |archive-date=28 September 2008 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> He has also been involved in the [[Show Racism the Red Card]] campaign and he has taken part in [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]'s "Search for an Asian Star" campaign.<ref name="people93463"/> On 12 July 2008, he took part in the [[Islam Expo]] event at the [[Olympia, London|Olympia]] [[Convention center|exhibition centre]] in [[West Kensington, London|West Kensington]], London, a four-day event whose primary purpose was to build bridges between Britain's Muslim communities and the rest of society. Rehman took part in a panel giving feedback from his own experiences about the positive use of sport.


In April 2008, Rehman appeared on the United States based [[Afghanistan|Afghan]] [[Satellite television|satellite]] television network [[Noor TV (US)|Noor TV]] and [[Bangladesh]]-based [[Islamic TV]] discussing being a Muslim footballer and how it is possible to pursue a career in football while sticking to Islamic roots. On 20 April 2008, he was a guest on the [[BBC Asian Network]] radio station show ''Breakdown'' revealing his favourite [[Desi]] music tunes.<ref>{{cite news | title = BBC Asian Network Schedule for 20&nbsp;April 2008 | publisher=[[BBC Asian Network]] | date = 20 April 2008 | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/programmes/schedules/2008/04/20 | accessdate =25 October 2008}}</ref> In May 2008, Rehman was awarded the ''Community Commitment Award'' at QPR.<ref>{{cite news | title = QPR defender Rehman awarded commitment to community award | publisher=Kick It Out | date = 9 May 2008 | url = http://www.kickitout.org/news.php/news_id/3749 | accessdate =15 May 2009}}</ref> In April 2008, Rehman took part in a radio documentary on [[BBC Radio 1Xtra]] about British Asians in football which followed his "journey from playground to Premier League".<ref name="bbc1xtra">{{cite news | title = Asian footballers | publisher=[[BBC Radio 1Xtra]] | date = 20 April 2008 | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/tx/documentaries/asian_footballers.shtml | accessdate =25 October 2008}}</ref>
In April 2008, Rehman appeared on the United States-based Afghan [[satellite television]] network [[Noor TV (US)|Noor TV]] and [[Bangladesh]]-based [[Islamic TV]] discussing being a Muslim footballer and how it is possible to pursue a career in football while sticking to Islamic roots. On 20 April 2008, he was a guest on the [[BBC Asian Network]] radio station show ''Breakdown'' revealing his favourite [[Desi]] music tunes.<ref>{{cite news | title = BBC Asian Network Schedule for 20&nbsp;April 2008 | publisher = [[BBC Asian Network]] | date = 20 April 2008 | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/programmes/schedules/2008/04/20 | access-date = 25 October 2008 | archive-date = 22 December 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101222044647/http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/programmes/schedules/2008/04/20 | url-status = live }}</ref> In May 2008, Rehman was awarded the ''Community Commitment Award'' at QPR.<ref>{{cite web|title=Former R's defender takes centre stage for charity|url=http://www.qprcommunitytrust.co.uk/news_article/135.aspx|publisher=QPR Community Trust|access-date=1 June 2015|date=3 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706082605/http://www.qprcommunitytrust.co.uk/news_article/135.aspx|archive-date=6 July 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In April 2008, Rehman took part in a radio documentary on [[BBC Radio 1Xtra]] about British Asians in football which followed his "journey from playground to Premier League".<ref name="Pak"/>


In May 2010, he launched The Zesh Rehman Foundation at [[Valley Parade]] to encourage children from all backgrounds to participate in football and sport to better themselves.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Asian question |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,19689_6859510,00.html |work=Sky Sports |publisher=British Sky Broadcasting |date=11 April 2011 |accessdate=6 February 2012}}</ref> He was named as one of the 50 World Cup Bid Ambassadors for The FA's World Cup 2018 bid, entered the Show Racism Red Card Hall of Fame,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.srtrc.org/about/hall-of-fame?page=6 |title=Hall of Fame |publisher=Show Racism the Red Card |accessdate=6 February 2012}}</ref> and was invited onto the PFA management committee by Gordon Taylor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zeshrehman.com/partners.php |title=PFA Management Commitee |publisher=Zeshrehman.com |accessdate=6 February 2012}}</ref>
In May 2010, he launched The Zesh Rehman Foundation at [[Valley Parade]] to encourage children from all backgrounds to participate in football and sport to better themselves.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Asian question |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,19689_6859510,00.html |work=Sky Sports |publisher=British Sky Broadcasting |date=11 April 2011 |access-date=6 February 2012 |archive-date=9 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109041327/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,19689_6859510,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was named as one of the 50 World Cup Bid Ambassadors for The FA's World Cup 2018 bid, entered the Show Racism Red Card Hall of Fame,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.srtrc.org/about/hall-of-fame?page=6 |title=Hall of Fame |publisher=Show Racism the Red Card |access-date=6 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724200725/http://www.srtrc.org/about/hall-of-fame?page=6 |archive-date=24 July 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and was invited onto the PFA management committee by Gordon Taylor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zeshrehman.com/partners.php |title=PFA Management Committee |publisher=Zeshrehman.com |access-date=6 February 2012 |archive-date=9 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209144217/http://www.zeshrehman.com/partners.php |url-status=live }}</ref>


In 2014, he was named as on the special [[Southeast Asia|South East Asia]] contributor for the ESPN South East Asia section by writing blogs and columns about football in the rapidly growing football region of Asia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.campaignasia.com/Article/390309,ESPN+launches+Southeast+Asia+edition+of+ESPN+FC.aspx|title=ESPN FC launches Southeast Asia edition of ESPN FC|date=15 September 2014|access-date=16 December 2014|publisher=Campaign Asia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216170704/http://www.campaignasia.com/Article/390309,ESPN+launches+Southeast+Asia+edition+of+ESPN+FC.aspx|archive-date=16 December 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/2052554/former-fulham-star-zesh-rehman-always-knew-asia-was-his-destiny|title=Former Fulham star Zesh Rehman: Asia was my destiny, Malaysia is my home|date=30 September 2014|access-date=16 December 2014|publisher=ESPN FC|archive-date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216174226/http://www.espnfc.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/2052554/former-fulham-star-zesh-rehman-always-knew-asia-was-his-destiny|url-status=live}}</ref> Rehman wrote his second blog for the ESPN South East Asia section a few days after his side recorded victory in the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/2086923/pahang-plan-to-win-malaysia-cup-semifinal-to-celebrate-kings-birthday|title=Pahang plan to win Malaysia Cup semi to celebrate King's birthday|date=15 October 2014|access-date=16 December 2014|last=Rehman|first=Zesh|publisher=ESPN FC|archive-date=10 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110004027/http://www.espnfc.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/2086923/pahang-plan-to-win-malaysia-cup-semifinal-to-celebrate-kings-birthday|url-status=live}}</ref>
In September 2011, he launched his [[iPhone]] [[iPhone application|application]] aimed at helping players who move overseas with the language barrier.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.kickitout.org/news.php/news_id/5220 |title=Zesh Rehman launches 'Football Talk' app |date=28 September 2011 |accessdate=18 October 2011 |publisher=Kick It Out}}</ref>

He lists [[snooker]], cinema and [[socialising]] as hobbies. He is also fluent in [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] and [[Urdu]] as well as English.<ref name="bio"/> He has a brother, named Rizwan, who played for [[Brentford F.C.|Brentford]], but was forced to retire early due to an injury.<ref name="pfa-role"/>


==Career statistics==
==Career statistics==

===Club===
===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|-
|-
! colspan=3 | Club performance
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
! colspan=2 | League
! colspan=2 | Cup
!colspan="3"|League
! colspan=2 | League Cup
!colspan="2"|National Cup
! colspan=2 | Continental
!colspan="2"|League Cup
! colspan=2 | Total
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
! Season !! Club !! League
! Apps !! Goals
! Apps !! Goals
! Apps !! Goals
! Apps !! Goals
! Apps !! Goals
|-
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]]
|[[2003–04 Fulham F.C. season|2003–04]]<ref name="One">{{Soccerbase season|36002|2003|access-date=22 May 2015}}</ref>
|[[Premier League]]
|1||0||0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2||0
|-
|-
|[[2004–05 Fulham F.C. season|2004–05]]<ref>{{Soccerbase season|36002|2004|access-date=22 May 2015}}</ref>
! colspan=3 | England
! colspan=2 | League
|Premier League
|17||0||2||0||4||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||23||0
! colspan=2 | [[FA Cup]]
! colspan=2 | [[Football League Cup|League Cup]]
! colspan=2 | [[UEFA|Europe]]
! colspan=2 | Total
|-
|-
|[[2005–06 Fulham F.C. season|2005–06]]<ref name="Five">{{Soccerbase season|36002|2005|access-date=22 May 2015}}</ref>
|[[2003–04 Fulham F.C. season|2003–04]]||[[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]]||[[Premier League]]||1||0||colspan="2"|-||1||0||colspan="2"|-||2||0
|Premier League
|3||0||0||0||2||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||5||1
|-
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
|[[2003–04 Football League|2003–04]]||[[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]]||[[Football League Second Division|Second Division]]||11||2||colspan="2"|-||2<ref group="nb">The two cup appearances for Brighton in 2003–04 were in the [[Football League Trophy]]</ref>||0||colspan="2"|-||13||2
!21!!0!!2!!0!!7!!1!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!30!!1
|-
|-
|rowspan="1"|[[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton and Hove Albion]] (loan)
|[[2004–05 Fulham F.C. season|2004–05]]||rowspan="2"|[[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]]||rowspan="2"|[[Premier League]]||17||0||2||0||4||0||colspan="2"|-||23||0
|[[2003–04 Football League|2003–04]]<ref name="One"/>
|[[Football League Second Division|Second Division]]
|11||2||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|Appearances in [[Football League Trophy]]|name=FLT}}||0||13||2
|-
|-
|[[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] (loan)
|[[2005–06 Fulham F.C. season|2005–06]]||3||0||colspan="2"|-||2||1||colspan="2"|-||5||1
|[[2005–06 Norwich City F.C. season|2005–06]]<ref name="Five"/>
|[[Football League Championship|Championship]]
|5||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||5||0
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]]
|[[2005–06 Norwich City F.C. season|2005–06]]||[[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]]||[[Football League Championship|Championship]]||5||0||colspan="2"|-||colspan="2"|-||colspan="2"|-||5||0
|[[2006–07 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season|2006–07]]<ref name="Six">{{Soccerbase season|36002|2006|access-date=22 May 2015}}</ref>
|Championship
|25||0||1||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||27||0
|-
|-
|[[2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season|2007–08]]<ref>{{Soccerbase season|36002|2007|access-date=22 May 2015}}</ref>
|[[2006–07 Football League|2006–07]]||[[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]]||[[Football League One|League One]]||8||0||colspan="2"|-||colspan="2"|-||colspan="2"|-||8||0
|Championship
|21||0||0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||22||0
|-
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
|[[2006–07 Football League|2006–07]]||rowspan="2"|[[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]]||rowspan="3"|[[Football League Championship|Championship]]||25||0||1||0||1||0||colspan="2"|-||27||0
!62!!2!!1!!0!!2!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!67!!2
|-
|-
|rowspan="1"|[[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]] (loan)
|[[2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season|2007–08]]||21||0||colspan="2"|-||1||0||colspan="2"|-||23||0
|[[2006–07 Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. season|2006–07]]<ref name="Six"/>
|[[Football League One|League One]]
|8||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||8||0
|-
|-
|[[2008–09 Blackpool F.C. season|2008–09]]||[[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]]||4||0||colspan="2"|-||1||0||colspan="2"|-||5||0
|rowspan="1"|[[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]] (loan)
|[[2008–09 Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. season|2008–09]]<ref name="Eight">{{Soccerbase season|36002|2008|access-date=22 May 2015}}</ref>
|Championship
|3||0||0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||4||0
|-
|-
|[[2008–09 Bradford City A.F.C. season|2008–09]]||rowspan="3"|[[Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]]||rowspan="3"|[[Football League Two|League Two]]||17||0||colspan="2"|-||0||0||colspan="2"|-||17||0
|rowspan="1"|[[Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]] (loan)
|[[2008–09 Bradford City A.F.C. season|2008–09]]<ref name="Eight"/>
|[[Football League Two|League Two]]
|17||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||17||0
|-
|-
|[[2009–10 Bradford City A.F.C. season|2009–10]]||40||2||1||0||1||0||colspan="2"|-||42||2
|rowspan="3"|[[Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]]
|[[2009–10 Bradford City A.F.C. season|2009–10]]<ref name="NT">{{Soccerbase season|36002|2009|access-date=22 May 2015}}</ref>
|League Two
|38||2||1||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|name=FLT}}||0||42||2
|-
|-
|[[2010–11 Bradford City A.F.C. season|2010–11]]||8||0||1||0||3||0||colspan="2"|-||12||0
|[[2010–11 Bradford City A.F.C. season|2010–11]]<ref>{{Soccerbase season|36002|2010|access-date=22 May 2015}}</ref>
|League Two
|8||0||1||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||1{{efn|name=FLT}}||0||12||0
|-
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!74!!2!!2!!0!!4!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!3!!0!!83!!2
|-
|-
|[[Muangthong United F.C.|Muangthong United]]
! colspan=3 | Thailand
|[[2011 Muangthong United F.C. season|2011]]<ref name="SW">{{cite web|title=Zesh Rehman|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/zeshan-rehman/85250/|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=22 May 2015|archive-date=15 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915034150/http://int.soccerway.com/players/zeshan-rehman/85250/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NFT">{{cite web|title=Zesh Rehman|url=http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/12929/Zesh_Rehman.html|publisher=National Football Teams|access-date=22 May 2015|archive-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109041328/http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/12929/Zesh_Rehman.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
! colspan=2 | League
|[[Thai Premier League]]
! colspan=2 | FA Cup
|30||1||||||||||5{{efn|Appearances in [[AFC Cup]] and [[AFC Champions League]]|name=AFCL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||35||1
! colspan=2 | League Cup
! colspan=2 | [[Asian Football Confederation|Asia]]
! colspan=2 | Total
|-
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Kitchee S.C.|Kitchee]]
|[[2011 Thai Premier League|2011]]||[[Muangthong United F.C.|Muangthong United]]||[[Thai Premier League]]||30||0||0||0||0||0||4||0||34||0
|[[2011–12 Kitchee SC season|2011–12]]<ref name="SW"/>
|[[Hong Kong First Division League|Hong Kong First Division]]
|9||0||4||1||3||0||7{{efn|Appearances in [[AFC Cup]]|name=AFC}}||1||colspan="2"|—||23||2
|-
|-
|[[2012–13 Kitchee SC season|2012–13]]<ref name="SW"/>
! colspan=3 | Hong Kong
|Hong Kong First Division
! colspan=2 | League
|15||0||4||0||0||0||9{{efn|Appearances in [[AFC Cup]]|name=AFC}}||0||2{{efn|Appearances in [[Hong Kong Senior Shield]]|name=SS}}||0||30||0
! colspan=2 | [[Hong Kong FA Cup|FA Cup]] & [[Hong Kong Challenge Shield|Shield]]
! colspan=2 | [[Hong Kong League Cup|League Cup]]
! colspan=2 | [[Asian Football Confederation|Asia]]
! colspan=2 | Total
|-
|-
|[[2013–14 Kitchee SC season|2013–14]]<ref name="SW"/>
|[[2011–12 Kitchee SC season|2011–12]]||rowspan="2"|[[Kitchee SC|Kitchee]]||rowspan="2"|[[Hong Kong First Division League|First Division]]||9||0||4||0||3||0||8||1||23||1
|Hong Kong First Division
|6||0||4||0||0||0||0||0||1{{efn|Appearances in [[Hong Kong Senior Shield]]|name=SS}}||0||11||0
|-
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
|[[2012–13 Kitchee SC season|2012–13]]||17||0||4||2||0||0||8||0||33||0
!60!!1!!12!!1!!3!!0!!21!!1!!3!!0!!99!!3
|-
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Pahang FA]]
|[[2014 Pahang FA season|2014]]<ref name="SW"/>
|[[Malaysia Super League]]
| 21||1||10||3||7||1||0||0||0||0||38||5
|-
|-
|[[2015 Pahang FA season|2015]]<ref name="SW"/>
! rowspan=3 | Total
|Malaysia Super League
! colspan=2 | England
!160||4||5||0||16||1||0||0||179||5
|21||6||10||1||6||1||8{{efn|Appearances in [[AFC Cup]]|name=AFC}}||0||0||0||45||8
|-
|-
|[[2016 Pahang FA season|2016]]<ref name="SW"/>
! colspan=2 | Thailand
|Malaysia Super League
!30||0||0||0||0||0||4||0||34||0
|11||0||||||1||0||||||||||12||0
|-
|-
! colspan=2 | Hong Kong
!colspan="2"|Total
!53!!7!!20!!4!!14!!2!!8!!0!!0!!0!!95!!13
!24||0||7||0||3||0||10||1||48||1
|-
|-
|[[Gillingham FC|Gillingham]]
! colspan=3 | Career total
|[[2016–17 Gillingham F.C. season|2016–17]]<ref name="SW" />
!216||4||14||0||19||1||17||1||268||6
|League One||10||1||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||10||1
|-
|[[Southern District FC|Southern]]
|2017-22
|[[Hong Kong Premier League]]||67||0||20||0||12||0||1||0||0||0||100||2
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!345!!14!!56!!4!!42!!3!!30!!1!!8!!0!!500!!24
|}
|}
{{notelist}}
<small>Source: [http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=36002 Soccerbase]<br/>[http://www.soccerway.com/players/zeshan-rehman/85250/ Soccerway]</small>


===International===
===International===
{{updated|2012.}}<ref name="Zesh Rehman">{{NFT player|pid=12929|Zesh Rehman|accessdate = 9 July 2013}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref name="Zesh Rehman">{{NFT player|id=12929|name=Zesh Rehman|access-date=8 September 2018}}</ref>
|-
|-
! National team !! Year !! Apps !! Goals
! National team !! Year !! Apps !! Goals
|-
|-
|rowspan="8"|[[Pakistan national football team|Pakistan]]
| rowspan="7" |[[Pakistan national football team|Pakistan]]
| 2005 || 1 || 0
| 2005 || 4 || 0
|-
| 2006 || 0 || 0
|-
|-
| 2007 || 2 || 0
| 2007 || 2 || 0
|-
|-
| 2008 || 0 || 0
| 2011 || 3 || 0
|-
|-
| 2009 || 0 || 0
| 2012 || 1 || 0
|-
|-
| 2010 || 0 || 0
| 2013 || 5 || 1
|-
|-
| 2011 || 3 || 0
| 2018 || 5 || 0
|-
|-
|2019
| 2012 || 1 || 0
|2
|0
|-
! colspan="2" | Total !! 22 !! 1
|}''Scores and results are list Pakistan's goal tally first.
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|+List of international goals scored by Zesh Rehman
! scope="col" |No.
! scope="col" |Date
! scope="col" |Venue
! scope="col" |Opponent
! scope="col" |Score
! scope="col" |Result
! scope="col" |Competition
|-
|-
| align="center" |1
! colspan="2" | Total !! 7 !! 0
|13 October 2013
|[[Panaad Stadium]], [[Bacolod]], [[Philippines]]
|{{fb|TPE}}
| align="center" |'''1'''–0
| align="center" |1–0
|[[2013 Philippine Peace Cup]]
|}
|}


==Notes==
==See also==
* [[British Asians in association football]]
<references group="nb" />
* [[List of Pakistan national football team captains]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Zesh Rehman}}
{{commons category|Zesh Rehman}}
*[http://www.zeshrehman.com/ Official website of Zesh Rehman]
*[http://www.zeshrehman.com/ Official website of Zesh Rehman]
* {{twitter|Zesh_Rehman}}
*{{Soccerbase|36002|Zesh Rehman}}
* {{instagram|zesh_rehman}}
*{{FIFA player|288418|Zesh Rehman}}
*{{Soccerbase}}
*{{FIFA player|288418}}


{{2011–12 Hong Kong Top Footballer}}
{{2011–12 Hong Kong Top Footballer}}
{{Kitchee SC squad}}


{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2013}}

{{Good article}}

{{Persondata
| NAME = Rehman, Zesh
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Rehman, Zeshan
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Footballer
| DATE OF BIRTH = 14 October 1983
| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Birmingham]], England
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rehman, Zesh}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rehman, Zesh}}
[[Category:1983 births]]
[[Category:1983 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Birmingham, West Midlands]]
[[Category:Footballers from Birmingham, West Midlands]]
[[Category:English people of Pakistani descent]]
[[Category:English people of Pakistani descent]]
[[Category:English Muslims]]
[[Category:British Asian footballers]]
[[Category:English footballers]]
[[Category:English men's footballers]]
[[Category:England youth international footballers]]
[[Category:English expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Pakistani expatriate footballers]]
[[Category:England men's youth international footballers]]
[[Category:Pakistani footballers]]
[[Category:Pakistani expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Pakistan international footballers]]
[[Category:Pakistani men's footballers]]
[[Category:Association football defenders]]
[[Category:Pakistan men's international footballers]]
[[Category:People from Aston]]
[[Category:Men's association football defenders]]
[[Category:Fulham F.C. players]]
[[Category:Fulham F.C. players]]
[[Category:Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. players]]
[[Category:Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. players]]
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[[Category:Blackpool F.C. players]]
[[Category:Blackpool F.C. players]]
[[Category:Bradford City A.F.C. players]]
[[Category:Bradford City A.F.C. players]]
[[Category:Muangthong United F.C. players]]
[[Category:Muangthong United F.C. players|Zesh Rehman]]
[[Category:Kitchee SC players]]
[[Category:Kitchee SC players]]
[[Category:Sri Pahang FC players]]
[[Category:Southern District FC players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:The Football League players]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]
[[Category:Hong Kong First Division League players]]
[[Category:Hong Kong First Division League players]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in England]]
[[Category:Hong Kong Premier League players]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in Thailand]]
[[Category:Thai League 1 players|Zesh Rehman]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in Hong Kong]]
[[Category:Malaysia Super League players]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Thailand]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Hong Kong]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Malaysia]]
[[Category:Pakistani football managers]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in Hong Kong]]
[[Category:21st-century English sportsmen]]
[[Category:21st-century Pakistani sportsmen]]

Latest revision as of 02:51, 19 November 2024

Zesh Rehman
Rehman with Bradford City in 2009
Personal information
Full name Zeshan Rehman[1]
Date of birth (1983-10-14) 14 October 1983 (age 41)[1]
Place of birth Birmingham, England
Height 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)[2]
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
 Portsmouth (development coach)
Youth career
1995–2003 Fulham
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003–2006 Fulham 30 (0)
2003–2004 → Brighton & Hove Albion (loan) 13 (2)
2006 → Norwich City (loan) 5 (0)
2006–2009 Queens Park Rangers 50 (0)
2007 → Brighton & Hove Albion (loan) 8 (0)
2008 → Blackpool (loan) 4 (0)
2009 → Bradford City (loan) 17 (0)
2009–2010 Bradford City 54 (2)
2011–2012 Muangthong United 30 (1)
2012–2013 Kitchee 30 (0)
2014–2016 Pahang 53 (7)
2017 Gillingham 10 (1)
2017–2022 Southern 63 (1)
Total 367 (14)
International career
England U18
England U19
England U20
2005–2019 Pakistan 22 (1)
Managerial career
2020–2022 Southern (player-manager)
2022–2023 Portsmouth U18
2023– Portsmouth FC (development coach)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Zeshan Rehman (Urdu: ذيشان رحمان; born 14 October 1983)[3] is a former professional footballer who played as a defender. He is currently first team development coach at Portsmouth FC.[4] Born in England, he represented the Pakistan national team.

He was the first British Asian to start a Premier League match and is the first to have played in all four divisions of professional football in England. He also played for the Pakistan national football team and was the first Pakistani international footballer to play professional football in England, Thailand, Hong Kong and Malaysia.[5]

Rehman started his career at Fulham and made a total of 30 appearances, having loan spells at Brighton & Hove Albion and Norwich City. A transfer to Queens Park Rangers followed and he went on to make 50 appearances for the club. During his three years there he went on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion, Blackpool and Bradford City, moving permanently to the latter on a free transfer in June 2009. Having previously represented England at under-18, under-19 and under-20 levels, in 2005 he made his debut for Pakistan senior team.

Early life

[edit]

Rehman was born on 14 October 1983 in Birmingham.[6] His father is Khalid Rehman.[7] As a child in Birmingham he played for his local Sunday league team, Kingshurst.[6] He was brought up in the Aston area of the city and often played football on the streets in addition to representing his school, his district and his county in football.[8]

Club career

[edit]

Fulham

[edit]

Early years

[edit]
Rehman started his career at Craven Cottage

When he was just twelve years old he was spotted by a scout,[8] and moved with his family to London where he joined the Fulham Academy. He progressed through the junior, youth and reserve teams at Fulham, which led him to sign his first professional contract.[9][10] Although a centre back by trade, Rehman was used as a holding midfielder as well as right back in his career at Fulham.[11]

2003–04

[edit]

In the 2003–04 season, Rehman made his professional debut on 23 September 2003 in a 1–0 defeat away to Wigan Athletic in the second round of the Football League Cup, coming on as a substitute for Junichi Inamoto after 57 minutes.[12] Six days later, he was sent on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion of the Second Division, initially for one month until November.[13] He scored on his debut for the club on 30 September, concluding a 3–1 away win at Rushden & Diamonds.[14] On 11 October, he opened a 3–0 win against Grimsby Town at the Withdean Stadium, finishing a corner by Leon Knight in Bob Booker's first match in charge.[15] Rehman's loan was extended to three months ending in January 2004.[16] He made eleven league appearances, scoring two goals.[6]

He made his Premier League debut for Fulham in a goalless draw at Anfield against Liverpool on 17 April 2004, replacing Bobby Petta for the final minute of the match.[17] In doing so, he garnered media attention from British Asian groups by being the first British Asian player to play in the top division of English football.[9] In June, Rehman signed a new contract, to keep him until 2006.[18]

2005–06

[edit]

On 21 September 2005 in the League Cup second round, Rehman scored his only goal for Fulham, opening a 5–4 extra-time win over Lincoln City at Craven Cottage by heading in Heiðar Helguson's cross.[19] In January 2006 he signed for Championship club Norwich City on loan for the rest of the season as defensive cover for the club.[20] He made five starts for them.[21] Having made 30 appearances in all competitions for Fulham, 26 from the starting line-up and four as a substitute, Rehman had to consider his options if he was to get regular football. Although he had two years remaining on his contract, he wanted to play regular first team football, and as a result, he decided to spend the next two seasons getting as much experience as possible.[22]

Queens Park Rangers

[edit]

On 8 August 2006, just prior to the start of the 2006–07 season, Rehman signed for Championship club Queens Park Rangers (QPR) from Fulham on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[23] In his first season at QPR, Rehman made 27 appearances.[11]

Towards the end of the season Rehman was sent on loan to former club Brighton & Hove Albion for a month where he gained more first team football experience.[24] He made his debut on 24 March 2007 in a 0–0 draw against Huddersfield Town.[25] He ended his loan stint by playing the full 90 minutes, and earning a yellow card in the process, for the final game of the League One season in a 1–1 draw at Cheltenham Town on 5 May 2007, claiming an assist for the opening goal.[26] He featured in eight full games during his loan spell.[6]

Returning to QPR at the start of the new season, chances were limited. The 3–1 victory over Leicester City on New Years Day 2008 was Rehman's 50th game in all competitions since leaving Fulham in 2006.[27] Rehman finished the 2007–08 season in the starting line for QPR against the Championship's new champions, West Bromwich Albion.[28]

Blackpool (loan)

[edit]

Rehman joined Blackpool in a six-month loan deal on 31 July 2008, along with teammate Daniel Nardiello, who joined the club on a permanent basis, while Blackpool defender Kaspars Gorkšs moved to QPR in exchange.[29] He made his debut for Blackpool as a second-half substitute for Jermaine Wright in a 2–0 defeat at League Two club Macclesfield Town in the first round of the 2008–09 League Cup on 12 August 2008. He was used as an emergency striker due to injuries to three of the club's strikers.[30] He made his league debut the following Saturday, in a 1–1 draw at Norwich City, coming on early in the second half to replace defender Danny Coid.[31]

Three months into his loan spell, in early October, Rehman said of his move to play for Blackpool: "I'm quite glad to get away from all the hustle and bustle of London. I really like it up here in Blackpool; it's a good club with an ambitious young manager. Hopefully, over the next few months I can convince Simon Grayson I'm worthy of a long-term contract."[32] On 31 December he returned to QPR after having made three league appearances, all of which were as a substitute.[21]

Bradford City (loan)

[edit]

On 26 January 2009, Rehman signed a loan deal with League Two club Bradford City, which was to last until the end of the 2008–09 season.[33] Rehman had turned down a chance to move to Luton Town and team up with Mick Harford, who was previously the assistant manager at QPR, and said he was only prepared to drop down to League Two if he joined Bradford City.[34] Rehman said of the move, "I was only prepared to drop down the leagues to play for this club. I spoke to the manager and chairmen and I know they want to get Bradford back up to where they belong. I've been involved in relegation battles in the past and it's nice to be joining a club pushing for promotion – that's a good pressure to have."[35] He made his debut the following day in a 1–0 defeat to Bury at Gigg Lane, and in doing so became the first British Asian to play in all four divisions of professional football in England.[36] He made his home debut on 31 January, playing at right back, in a 2–0 home win over Grimsby Town at Valley Parade.[37] In March he turned down the chance to play for Pakistan in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup qualifiers in order to help Bradford's push for promotion.[38]

Bradford City

[edit]

After leaving QPR on 19 May 2009,[39] Rehman signed a two-year deal with Bradford City on 19 June, saying of the move, "My gut feeling told me to sign for Bradford and I've absolutely no regrets. From day one I felt at home here. I'm fortunate enough to have played in all the divisions and I see this as the next step of my journey." The Bradford manager, Stuart McCall also revealed that Rehman had taken a large pay cut by joining the club, adding, "Zesh is certainly not signing for Bradford for money—he wants to be a success here, and it will be great to have him on board."[40][41] He scored his first goal for the club in a 2–2 draw with Barnet on 19 September 2009.[42]

Rehman captained the club during the 2009–10 season[43] and went on to play 42 games.[44] He won the PFA Player in the Community awards on 25 March at The Football League Awards.[45]

At the start of the following season new manager Peter Taylor kept Rehman as club captain hailing him a "supremely professional individual and a superb ambassador for the football club".[46] Struggling to get playing time, making only 12 appearances, Rehman in an interview to BBC Radio said that he was not pleased to sit in the substitute bench in the past few matches. He also added that being the skipper of the team, his experience would help the team to perform.[47] For making these comments, he was stripped of his captainship and put in the transfer list.[48]

Muangthong United

[edit]

Rehman signed a two-year deal with Thai Premier League side Muangthong United on 19 December 2010.[49][50] He made his debut on 30 January 2011, in the King's Trophy against Chonburi Sharks at the Suphachalasai Stadium; his new side lost 2–1.[25] His appearance made him the first Pakistan international to play in Thailand.[51] About his debut Rehman commented "I can honestly say I loved the experience. The passion from the 40,000 fans in the crowd made it a day to remember".[52] During his stint in the club, it was managed by English striker Robbie Fowler. He made a total of thirty league appearances for the Thai club.[53]

Kitchee

[edit]

Rehman signed a deal with Hong Kong First Division League side Kitchee on 11 January 2012.[54] He made his debut in a 2–1 win over Sun Hei on 31 January.[55] Rehman scored his first goal for his new club in the AFC Cup against Sông Lam Nghệ An of Vietnam.[3] Rehman won his first piece of silverware of his Hong Kong career by playing a leading role in Kitchees 2–1 League Cup win over cloes rivals TSW Pegasus at the Mong Kok Stadium on 15 April 2012.[56][57] Rehman helped Kitchee retain the Hong Kong First Division League title with a 4–1 victory over Biu Chun Rangers in the last league game to clinch the title, it was his second trophy for the club and it put them in pole position to complete the domestic treble in Hong Kong[58] Rehman and Kitchee finished the season in impressive fashion by overcoming Pegasus after penalties to win Hong Kong FA Cup Final at The Hong Kong Stadium. The victory was a historic moment for the club as Kitchee were crowned domestic treble winners, a feat that has never been matched by a Hong Kong club.[59][60] Rehman made it into the Hong Kong BMA First Division League team of the season at The HKFA Annual Awards dinner.[61] Rehman also achieved the feat of becoming the first Pakistani player to play in AFC Cup.[62]

On 29 August 2012 Rehman played the full game in a pre-season friendly against Premier League giants Arsenal in front of a 40,000 crowd as the Hong Kong Champions drew 2–2 with the Gunners at The Hong Kong Stadium.[63][64] On 11 May 2013 Rehman won the Hong Kong FA Cup through a 1–0 victory over last year finalist Sun Pegasus FC.[65] On 26 May 2013 Rehman helped Kitchee beat Tuen Mun 3–0 in the final of the play-off to ensure his teams passage into the AFC Cup 2014.[66] Rehman played fifteen league games for the club during the 2012/13 season, which was followed by six appearances in the next season.[3]

Pahang FA

[edit]

In December 2013, Rehman signed for Malaysian club Pahang FA on a two-year contract. His former club Kitchee's president Ken Ng commented "Zesh has contributed hugely to Kitchee's success over the last 2 years and he will be truly missed". His new club's manager Zainal Abidin Hassan said that they were "delighted" as he "has chosen to come to Pahang ahead of several other teams."[67] He justified his reason of joining the club as "his destiny".[68] In his first season with the club, he won three trophies[69] – Malaysia Super League, Malaysia FA Cup and Malaysia Cup,[3] thus winning qualification to the 2015 AFC Cup.[69] In the cup, he played six times without scoring a goal.[3]

"Zesh served as an excellent player for Pahang for 3 years in a successful trophy winning team. His example and leadership to the young and local players was outstanding. The door for a future return is open anytime. We would love to see him back in a coaching role one day".

Pahang FC CEO and Vice President Datuk Akbar V V Abu.[70]

On 28 June 2016, Zesh announce via his social media accounts he had amicably agreed to terminate with Pahang FC after a successful 3-year spell at the club.[70] Zesh said, "I would love a future return in a coaching role, something which was offered to me at the start of this season but was not the right moment for me. I will be back to visit my sons birthplace of Kuantan. Pahang have the best fans in Malaysia & are by far the best I have played for. Leaving here on excellent terms with the hierarchy, fantastic memories & many formed friendships. Good luck to all the staff & team for the rest of the season. Thank you".[70]

Gillingham

[edit]

On 23 February 2017, Rehman returned to English football by joining League One side Gillingham until the end of the 2016-17 season.[71] Rehman made his debut for the club in a 2–1 Victory over Southend, drawing praise from manager Adrian Pennock for his performance and leadership after helping Gillingham avoid relegation from League One on the final day of the season with a 0-0 draw at Northampton.[72]

Southern

[edit]

On 14 June 2017, Rehman announced via his Twitter page that he had signed with Southern, returning to Hong Kong for the first time since 2013. Rehman chose Southern ahead of several other offers from around the world, citing the lure of working with head coach Cheng Siu Chung as the main attraction.[73]

On 28 April 2020, Southern announced an agreement with Rehman to extend his contract.[74]

Coaching career

[edit]

Southern

[edit]

On 16 May 2020, towards the end of the 2019-20 season when COVID started Rehman was named as a player-manager for Southern, achieving his first coaching role since obtaining his UEFA Pro License. He spent two seasons prior to this operating as a development coach working closely with the club's emerging youth prospects that won the U18 League and FA Youth Cup.[75]

On 30 May 2021, Rehman completed his first full season as player head coach leading Southern to a 5th place mid-table finish, a remarkable achievement in the duo role while operating on the lowest budget in the league, working with the youngest coaching team and himself being the youngest head coach in the Hong Kong Premier League.[76][77]

In January 2022, at the halfway point of the new season, Rehman guided Southern to the top of the league with the second-highest number of goals scored, the best defensive record in the league, and the most clean sheets beating Asian Champions league side Kitchee and last years league runners up Eastern along the way. Southern was also in the top three of the Sapling Cup League.

In May 2022 Rehman announced his retirement, and called time on a 21 year playing career which spanned two decades across several countries. He described his time as an amazing experience both on and off the pitch.[78]

Portsmouth

[edit]

Having finished his playing career, in June 2022 Rehman took a role with Portsmouth FC as U18 Coach.[79]

In January 2023, after the dismissal of Danny Cowley and Nicky Cowley as head coach and assistant head coach, Rehman became interim first team assistant manager.[80]

Rehman remained in the interim assistant head coach role after the appointment of John Mousinho as the new head coach.[81]

The pairs first game in charge resulted in a 2-0 home win against visitors Exeter City on Saturday 21 January 2023, their first EFL League One home win since 3 September 2022.[82] Three days later on 24 January 2023, Portsmouth travelled to Fleetwood Town and defeated them 0-2, their first EFL League One away win since 22 October 2022.[83]

On March 23, 2023 Rehman was announced as the First Team Development Coach.[84] During the season, Rehman became the first British Pakistani former player to be working as a coach within a first-team set-up across the English professional leagues.

International career

[edit]

Rehman originally represented England, and played for them at under-18, under-19 and under-20 levels.[85] Becoming the first English-born Pakistani to don an England senior football shirt seemed too far away, however, due to lack of first team opportunities at Fulham. Due to his Pakistani parentage, and because he possessed dual Pakistani and British nationality, Rehman also qualified to represent Pakistan, and he eventually opted to play for them, as he considered it to be a more realistic option.[86] A lot of British Asian groups were against this and wanted him to fight more for an England place to set a standard for English-Asian youth.[32]

It was, however, an unrealistic aspiration.[32] With that in mind, and with the blessings of his father, Rehman was approached by Malik Riaz Hai Naveed, a young football manager and made his international debut for Pakistan in a 1–0 win over Sri Lanka in the 2005 South Asian Football Federation Championship on 7 December 2005 at the Peoples Football Stadium in Karachi. Pakistan ultimately reached the semi-finals before losing out to Bangladesh 1–0.[87]

"The reception I received from the first moment till the last was unforgettable. I felt loved, appreciated, respected and wanted and most of all the interest in football really grew immensely."

—Rehman, on his international debut with Pakistan.

Rehman was named in the Pakistan squad for the 2010 World Cup qualifying matches against Iraq in October 2007, and played the match in Lahore but could not help contain Asian champions Iraq from winning 7–0. In the second leg on 28 October he captained Pakistan to a 0–0 draw. However, he also had to withdraw from the squad for the SAFF Championship 2008 when he came down with food poisoning.[88] After nearly four years out, Rehman returned to the Pakistan team for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers.[89]

2013–19

[edit]

In September 2013 Rehman represented Pakistan at the SAFF Championship which was held in Nepal. He played all of the games for Pakistan who narrowly missed out on a semi-final spot despite beating Bangladesh in the last group game.[90] His commanding displays during the tournament earned him a place in the Team of the Tournament.[91] In October 2013, Rehman captained Pakistan in both of their games at The Peace Cup held in the Philippines, and scored the winning goal in the opener against Chinese Taipei.[92][93]

In September 2018 played in his final SAFF Tournament for Pakistan in Bangladesh since his first game in the competition some 13 years earlier. He played all of the games helping the team progress to the semi-final stage of the competition against rivals India.[94]

In June 2019 Zesh Captained the team for the 2022 Asian World Cup Qualifiers against Cambodia over two legs. Pakistan fell short of a place in the group stage of the competition with consecutive defeats in Phnom Penh and in Doha, this was his final game in an international shirt.[95]

Controversy

[edit]

"Why wasn't (Chopra) picked ahead of Dave Nugent? He's the top goal scorer in the Championship but he can't get in (the England set-up). So he needs to maybe look at his decision and go play for India instead of hanging on to the dream of playing for England, because it's not going to happen, end of discussion."

Rehman on an interview with Eastern Eye.[96]

Rehman caused controversy in 2007 when in an interview with the British weekly newspaper the Eastern Eye he said that players of Asian descent should consider sticking to their roots rather than dreaming of playing for England. Rehman pointed to Michael Chopra and David Nugent, who both were top scorers in the Championship, but Nugent was called up for England while Chopra was not.[97]

Personal life

[edit]

Rehman has said that, his "sole purpose in trying to be a success as a professional footballer is to inspire other Asian players to follow my lead and achieve their goals."[32] He is an ambassador for the Asian Football Network (AFN), a grassroots community-led initiative designed to support and facilitate the development of grassroots Asian football in the UK.[98] He has also worked with the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) to try to increase the number of British Asians taking up a career in professional football, and has attended meetings with the PFA in order to achieve this goal.[99] He has also been involved in the Show Racism the Red Card campaign and he has taken part in Chelsea's "Search for an Asian Star" campaign.[8] On 12 July 2008, he took part in the Islam Expo event at the Olympia exhibition centre in West Kensington, London, a four-day event whose primary purpose was to build bridges between Britain's Muslim communities and the rest of society. Rehman took part in a panel giving feedback from his own experiences about the positive use of sport.

In April 2008, Rehman appeared on the United States-based Afghan satellite television network Noor TV and Bangladesh-based Islamic TV discussing being a Muslim footballer and how it is possible to pursue a career in football while sticking to Islamic roots. On 20 April 2008, he was a guest on the BBC Asian Network radio station show Breakdown revealing his favourite Desi music tunes.[100] In May 2008, Rehman was awarded the Community Commitment Award at QPR.[101] In April 2008, Rehman took part in a radio documentary on BBC Radio 1Xtra about British Asians in football which followed his "journey from playground to Premier League".[25]

In May 2010, he launched The Zesh Rehman Foundation at Valley Parade to encourage children from all backgrounds to participate in football and sport to better themselves.[102] He was named as one of the 50 World Cup Bid Ambassadors for The FA's World Cup 2018 bid, entered the Show Racism Red Card Hall of Fame,[103] and was invited onto the PFA management committee by Gordon Taylor.[104]

In 2014, he was named as on the special South East Asia contributor for the ESPN South East Asia section by writing blogs and columns about football in the rapidly growing football region of Asia.[105][106] Rehman wrote his second blog for the ESPN South East Asia section a few days after his side recorded victory in the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals.[107]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Fulham 2003–04[12] Premier League 1 0 0 0 1 0 — — 2 0
2004–05[108] Premier League 17 0 2 0 4 0 — — 23 0
2005–06[109] Premier League 3 0 0 0 2 1 — — 5 1
Total 21 0 2 0 7 1 — — 30 1
Brighton and Hove Albion (loan) 2003–04[12] Second Division 11 2 0 0 0 0 — 2[a] 0 13 2
Norwich City (loan) 2005–06[109] Championship 5 0 0 0 0 0 — — 5 0
Queens Park Rangers 2006–07[110] Championship 25 0 1 0 1 0 — — 27 0
2007–08[111] Championship 21 0 0 0 1 0 — — 22 0
Total 62 2 1 0 2 0 — — 67 2
Brighton & Hove Albion (loan) 2006–07[110] League One 8 0 0 0 0 0 — — 8 0
Blackpool (loan) 2008–09[112] Championship 3 0 0 0 1 0 — — 4 0
Bradford City (loan) 2008–09[112] League Two 17 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 17 0
Bradford City 2009–10[44] League Two 38 2 1 0 1 0 — 2[a] 0 42 2
2010–11[113] League Two 8 0 1 0 2 0 — 1[a] 0 12 0
Total 74 2 2 0 4 0 — 3 0 83 2
Muangthong United 2011[3][53] Thai Premier League 30 1 5[b] 0 — 35 1
Kitchee 2011–12[3] Hong Kong First Division 9 0 4 1 3 0 7[c] 1 — 23 2
2012–13[3] Hong Kong First Division 15 0 4 0 0 0 9[c] 0 2[d] 0 30 0
2013–14[3] Hong Kong First Division 6 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 1[d] 0 11 0
Total 60 1 12 1 3 0 21 1 3 0 99 3
Pahang FA 2014[3] Malaysia Super League 21 1 10 3 7 1 0 0 0 0 38 5
2015[3] Malaysia Super League 21 6 10 1 6 1 8[c] 0 0 0 45 8
2016[3] Malaysia Super League 11 0 1 0 12 0
Total 53 7 20 4 14 2 8 0 0 0 95 13
Gillingham 2016–17[3] League One 10 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 1
Southern 2017-22 Hong Kong Premier League 67 0 20 0 12 0 1 0 0 0 100 2
Career total 345 14 56 4 42 3 30 1 8 0 500 24
  1. ^ a b c Appearances in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ Appearances in AFC Cup and AFC Champions League
  3. ^ a b c Appearances in AFC Cup
  4. ^ a b Appearances in Hong Kong Senior Shield

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[114]
National team Year Apps Goals
Pakistan 2005 4 0
2007 2 0
2011 3 0
2012 1 0
2013 5 1
2018 5 0
2019 2 0
Total 22 1

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

List of international goals scored by Zesh Rehman
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 13 October 2013 Panaad Stadium, Bacolod, Philippines  Chinese Taipei 1–0 1–0 2013 Philippine Peace Cup

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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[edit]
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