LONDON, UK: The celebrations following Arsenal’s long-awaited Premier League title victory in the 2025-26 season have cast a spotlight not only on the players and manager Mikel Arteta but also on a Pakistani-origin expert working behind the scenes. Dr Zafar Iqbal, Arsenal’s Head of Sports Medicine, has gained widespread limelight for his professional contribution to the club’s historic campaign.
Dr Zafar, who is of Pakistani descent, has carved a distinguished name for himself in the international football industry through his clinical expertise and player management skills.
He joined Arsenal in 2024, bringing with him a rich background that includes leading the sports medicine departments at both Liverpool and Crystal Palace.
Arsenal win the Premier League title! Mikel Arteta’s men end 22-year wait after Man City DRAW in Pep Guardiola’s penultimate game – as newly-crowned champions celebrate at their training ground https://t.co/Pmf1LY9QbR
— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) May 20, 2026
Born in Gojra, Punjab, and hailing from a family originally belonging to Sahiwal, Dr Zafar is a British Pakistani who has also worked with several Pakistani cricketers in England, helping them overcome fitness issues and maintain peak physical condition during their stints in the country.
Arsenal ended a 22-year wait to be crowned Premier League champions last Tuesday, after second-placed Manchester City could only manage a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth. The Gunners, who had led the table for almost the entire season, finished with 85 points following a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on the final Sunday.
Dr Zafar Iqbal. Eyes don see something from Arsenal fans hand since last season 😭😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/BYKVnt7xPr
— Ogwans (@kwemhe) May 25, 2026
Manchester City ended their campaign on 78 points, while Manchester United secured third place with 71 points.
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal had previously earned the tag of “nearly men,” having finished as runners-up in the three preceding seasons. This time, however, they finally crossed the line, securing the club’s 14th English league title, placing them behind only Manchester United and Liverpool, who jointly hold the record with 20 titles each.
This is Arsenal’s first league championship since the iconic 2003-04 season, when Arsène Wenger’s “Invincibles” went the entire campaign unbeaten. It is also the club’s first major trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, which came in Arteta’s maiden season after he took over from Unai Emery.
The memorable campaign could become even more historic for Arsenal, as they are set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest on May 30. Victory there would give Arsenal their first-ever European Cup, and Arteta’s team would be remembered as one of the greatest in the club’s 140-year history.
