Arif Mehmood

Arif Mehmood (born 21 June 1983) is a Pakistani former footballer who played as a striker. He has been the top-scorer in the Pakistan Premier League five times, leading the charts in 2004, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2009–10 and 2010–11.

Early life Mehmood was born on 21 June 1983 in Multan in the Punjab province of Pakistan. He completed his studies from Government Comprehensive Boys High School and graduated in engineering from Government Technology College.

Club career Mehmood started his career with the amateur team Young Gulshan Multan, from where WAPDA scouted him and selected him in their youth team in 1998. WAPDA qualified for the 2005 AFC President's Cup after winning the league. They were placed in Group B, with Blue Star SC, FC Dordoi Bishkek and Phnom Penh Crown FC. Mehmood scored two goals in three appearances, which included the only goal of the match against Dordoi Bishkek.

In 2005 Pakistan Premier League season WAPDA finished Army FC, and repeating the same feat in 2006–07 Pakistan Premier League, although this time Mehmood finished as top scorer after scoring 19 goals in 20 appearances.

Mehmood played with Lahore Lajpaals in the inaugural franchise based 2007 Super Football League, ending as top scorer with 8 goals. Mehmood won the league for a second time in 2007-08 Pakistan Premier League after beating Army in the last day of the season and winning the league by 1 point. Mehmood was again the top scorer, scoring 21 goals in 26 games. WAPDA qualified for 2008 AFC President's Cup where they finished bottom of the group.

Mehmood got his hands on more silverware after winning the league again in 2008-09 Pakistan Premier League season. In this process they qualified for 2009 AFC President's Cup. Mehmood scored a brace against Taiwan Power Company, WAPDA won the game 1–3, finishing second in the group. WAPDA once again faced their group Regar-TadAZ in the semi-finals, WAPDA lost the game 4–3 in extra time with Mehmood scoring the second goal for WAPDA and third goal of the match in the 84th minute.

In 2009, WAPDA ended third position but Mehmood was declared the top scorer for the fourth time with 20 goals. He captained Lahore Lajpaals in the 2010 Super Football League. In 2010–11, Pakistan WAPDA was able to claim the title of national champion for the sixth time thanks to Mehmood's 21 goals.

International career Mehmood was first selected for the Pakistan national under-19 team in 2000 and went to Sri Lanka. Later played in the 2002 Asian Games in South Korea. In 2003, he played the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

He was also called by the Pakistan under-23 national team for the 2004 South Asian Games, where he helped Pakistan win the gold medal. The next year, he featured at the 2005 Islamic Solidarity Games. He also captained the U23 team at the 2010 South Asian Games.

Career statistics Club

International +Appearances and goals by year and competition

Senior Scores and results list Pakistan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Mehmood goal.

Honours

WAPDA Pakistan Premier League (4): 2004–05, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11

Individual Pakistan Premier League golden boot (5): 2004–05, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2009–10, 2010–11 Pakistan U23

South Asian Games: 2004