When Nolberto Solano walks into Pakistan’s training camp, there is a calm determination in his stride. The former Newcastle United icon, once adored on Tyneside for his flair and free-kicks, now stands in the heat of Lahore — chasing something far greater than personal glory. He wants to rewrite the story of Pakistan football.
In a world where international coaching jobs often lead to familiar European circuits, Solano has chosen the road less travelled. From Lima to Lahore, his journey symbolises both courage and belief — belief that football in Pakistan, long lost between politics and poor governance, can still find its rhythm.
“I would like to play like Klopp, I like Guardiola’s style,” Solano said in an interview with The Guardian. “But you need to be realistic. My philosophy is to build a very good team, very good team spirit.”
It is a refreshingly grounded vision from a man who has seen the game at its very peak. Solano, the first Peruvian to play in the Premier League, has coached across continents — from Peru to Canada, Sweden to England’s non-league football. Yet, none of those challenges compare to the one he faces in Pakistan: a nation with passion but no professional league, talent but no system.
A Dream Against the Odds
Pakistan’s football landscape remains fragile. Years of administrative crises and FIFA suspensions have stalled progress and robbed young players of precious opportunities. The national team’s preparation for international competitions has often been ad hoc, with limited facilities and little match exposure.
And yet, Solano sees light where others see darkness. He speaks not of excuses but of unity. “We have to be competitive and not let anyone think: ‘Three points in the pocket.’ No! We will face every challenge,” he said, echoing the same resilience that made him a fan favourite in England.
It is this defiant optimism that has already begun to change the tone around the national team. His first task — leading Pakistan in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers — comes with heavy odds. But Solano’s approach is simple: start by changing mindsets.
Building from the Ground Up
Pakistan’s football revival, Solano believes, begins not with grand promises but with structure. “It’s very important for Pakistan to give opportunities to these guys,” he told The Guardian, emphasising the urgent need for a domestic professional league.
With no regular competition to nurture homegrown players, Pakistan’s best hopes have often come from the diaspora — talented young men playing in England, Denmark, and Norway. Solano has embraced this diversity, scouting across continents while keeping faith in local talent.
His work with the Under-23s earlier this year, despite defeats, gave him a clearer picture of the challenges ahead: lack of pre-season training, limited fitness levels, and absence of professional exposure. Yet, Solano and his assistant Jorge Castañeira found something valuable — raw enthusiasm and an unbreakable spirit.
The Man Who Believes in Possibility
At 50, Solano could have chosen an easier path. But there is something deeply personal about his commitment to Pakistan. When the new PFF president, Mohsen Gilani, approached him with a vision for reform, Solano felt the sincerity behind the words.
“He wants to change football in Pakistan,” Solano said. “It’s completely different, but I like the challenge. I like the belief. The people trust me. We can do it.”
That sense of shared purpose has anchored him in Lahore and Islamabad, where he divides his time between training sessions and quiet reflection. Away from the fame of St James’ Park, Solano has found anonymity and kindness in Pakistan. He speaks warmly of the people — their passion, their humility, their faith in the word Inshallah.
Leaving a Legacy
In a footballing world often obsessed with results, Solano’s mission is larger than qualification tables. He wants to plant something lasting — a foundation for the future, a sense of belief for generations who have grown up hearing that “football nehin hua” (football didn’t happen).
Now, under his leadership, the message is beginning to change: football can happen.
As Pakistan prepares for crucial qualifiers against Afghanistan, Syria, and Myanmar, the challenge is immense. But for Solano, it’s another chance to build — one match, one belief, one story at a time.
“We will try to play good football, to enjoy,” he said. “It’s a massive responsibility for everyone, because we represent Pakistan. I would like to do something for the people, so that when I leave, they will remember me.”
And perhaps that is the true beauty of Nolberto Solano’s mission — not in trophies or headlines, but in the quiet hope that one man’s belief could spark a nation’s footballing rebirth.
Credit: This article draws on reporting and quotes originally published by The Guardian in their interview, “Nolberto Solano: ‘I would like to play like Klopp but you need to be realistic’,” October 2025.
About the author: Mohsin Rasheed is the Chief Editor of Footballer.pk, Pakistan’s leading football media platform. He oversees editorial content and regularly contributes match reports, player profiles, and tactical features. You can reach him at [email protected]