Mukhtar Ali

Sheikh Mukhtar Ali (born 25 July 1962) is a Pakistani former footballer who played as a defender. He played for Pakistan Airlines throughout his career, and captained the Pakistan national team on several occasions from 1986 till 1988, guiding the national side achieve the bronze medal at the 1987 South Asian Games.

Early life Ali was born on 25 July 1962 in Lahore, in the Punjab province of Pakistan. He studied up to FA level, and started his football career with Bata Club of Lahore at the age of 15, where he played from 1978 till 1982.

Club career In 1979, Ali featured in the National Youth Football Championship, where he led the Punjab team.

Ali played for WAPDA from 1982 till 1986, and later for Pakistan Airlines throughout his career at the National Football Championship till 1994.

International career

Early years In 1982, Ali represented Pakistan youth in the 30th Asian Youth Championship held in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Mukhtar made his senior international debut with Pakistan at the 1984 AFC Asian Cup qualification held in Calcutta, later playing at the 1984 Merdeka Tournament. The following year, he played at the 1985 Quaid-e-Azam International Tournament held in Peshawar. He wore the captain armband for the first time at the President's Cup. He was selected as the main captain at the 1986 Quaid-e-Azam International Tournament held in Islamabad. After playing at the 1986 Asian Games where the Muhammad Naveed took over as captain, Mukhtar was once again handed the captaincy in the 1988 Summer Olympics qualification in 1987, and the 1987 South Asian Games in India, helping the team achieve the bronze medal.

He also played as captain at the 1988 AFC Asian Cup qualification in Kuala Lumpur, marking his final appearances with the national team.

Post-retirement After his retirement as player, Mukhtar undertook several trainings to obtain a coaching license.

Personal life Mukhtar came from a family of footballers. His elder brother Niaz Ali Naji and his younger brother Ejaz Ali also represented the Pakistan national team, the latter alongside him on several occasions. His eldest brother Niaz Ali's son Zahid Niaz also played for the national team.

Honours Pakistan Airlines National Football Championship: 1989, 1992–93