{{Short description|Scottish former professional footballer}} {{Use British English|date=April 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Islam Feruz | image = | caption = | fullname = Islam Salieh Feruz<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Players under Written Contract Registered Between 01/01/2015 and 31/01/2015|url= https://www.thefa.com/~/media/files/thefaportal/governance-docs/registrations/january-2015.ashx|publisher=The Football Association|access-date=24 May 2015|page=3}}</ref> | height = {{height|m=1.62}} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|9|10|df=y}} | birth_place = Kismaayo, Somalia{{citation needed|date=February 2024}} | position = Striker | currentclub = | clubnumber = | youthyears1 = 2005–2011 |youthclubs1 = Celtic | youthyears2 = 2011–2014 |youthclubs2 = Chelsea | years1 = 2014–2019 | clubs1 = Chelsea | caps1 = 0 | goals1 = 0 | years2 = 2014 | clubs2 = → OFI (loan) | caps2 = 1 | goals2 = 0 | years3 = 2015 | clubs3 = → Blackpool (loan) | caps3 = 2 | goals3 = 0 | years4 = 2015–2016 | clubs4 = → Hibernian (loan) | caps4 = 6 | goals4 = 0 | years5 = 2016–2017 | clubs5 = → Royal Excel Mouscron (loan) | caps5 = 7 | goals5 = 0 | years6 = 2017 | clubs6 = → Swindon Town (loan) | caps6 = 4 | goals6 = 0 | years7 = 2023 | clubs7 = Radnički Niš | caps7 = 0 | goals7 = 0 | years8 = 2025 | clubs8 = Dubai City | caps8 = 0 | goals8 = 0 | nationalyears1 = 2009–2010 |nationalteam1 = Scotland U16 | nationalcaps1 = 3 | nationalgoals1 = 1 | nationalyears2 = 2009–2012 |nationalteam2 = Scotland U17 | nationalcaps2 = 18 | nationalgoals2 = 7 | nationalyears3 = 2012 |nationalteam3 = Scotland U19 | nationalcaps3 = 5 | nationalgoals3 = 3 | nationalyears4 = 2012 |nationalteam4 = Scotland U20 | nationalcaps4 = 1 | nationalgoals4 = 0 | nationalyears5 = 2012–2013 |nationalteam5 = Scotland U21 | nationalcaps5 = 4 | nationalgoals5 = 2 | club-update = 14 August 2023 | nationalteam-update = 20 November 2013 (UTC)<ref>{{cite news |title=Islam Feruz |url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/football_player_profile.cfm?page=2492&playerID=87060&squadID=17 |work=scottishfa.co.uk |publisher=Scottish Football Association |access-date=19 April 2012 }}</ref> }}
'''Islam Salieh Feruz''' (born 10 September 1995) is a professional footballer who played as a centre forward. Born in Somalia, he represented Scotland at youth level.
Feruz spent most of his youth career with Celtic, before moving to Chelsea in September 2011 after rejecting a professional contract with the Scottish club. He never made a competitive appearance for the Chelsea first team, having mostly represented the team at U21 levels. He had loan spells at OFI, Blackpool, Hibernian, Royal Excel Mouscron and Swindon Town, but these were all brief and unsuccessful. His contract with Chelsea expired in 2019.
Feruz is a naturalised citizen of the United Kingdom. He declared in 2009 that he would play for the Scotland national football team, and represented the country at several youth levels. In April 2020, it was reported that Feruz had given up football to set up a company selling baseball caps. In August 2023 Feruz signed a contract with Radnički Niš<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.maxbetsport.rs/saznajemo-bomba-u-nisu-stize-nekadasnje-skotsko-cudo-od-deteta-koje-je-celsi-hteo-da-plati-sest-miliona-evra-451849/ | title=SAZNAJEMO Bomba u Nišu! Stiže nekadašnje škotsko čudo od deteta, koje je Čelsi hteo da plati šest miliona evra! | date=25 July 2023 }}</ref> only to be released two months later without making a single appearance.
==Early life== Feruz was born in Somalia.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}} He was raised by his mother Aisha and stepfather Albashir Ali. He has three sisters: Kauthar, Ethil and Rahma. ''Wales Online'' and ''The Scottish Sun'' indicate that there is some uncertainty about his childhood and background.<ref name="Wiiftycsicc">{{cite web |title=Who is Islam Feruz... the young Chelsea striker interesting Cardiff City? |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-islam-feruz-young-chelsea-8367692 |publisher=Wales Online |access-date=16 June 2018|date=31 December 2014}}</ref>
The family lived in Tanzania before emigrating directly to the UK.<ref name="Yfch">{{cite news |title=Young Film-maker Charts Histories |url=http://ps-public.company-net.com/Documents/PDFs/Perthshire%20Advertiser%207%20May%2010%20-%20Jason%20douglas.pdf |newspaper=Perthshire Advertiser |publisher=Scottish & Universal Newspapers |date=7 May 2010 |access-date=26 May 2012 }} {{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="Smysatnotajaiyc">{{cite news |title=Young Scot Awards 2010: Night of tears and joy as inspiring youngsters celebrate |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/editors-choice/2010/05/02/young-scot-awards-2010-night-of-tears-and-joy-as-inspiring-youngsters-celebrate-86908-22228309/ |work=Sunday Mail |publisher=Media Scotland |date=2 May 2010 |access-date=27 June 2012 }}</ref>
The family initially moved to London when Feruz was aged five, before later re-locating to Glasgow.<ref name="Bath"/><ref name="LennonlosesFeruz">{{cite news |title=Celtic likely to lose talented Islam Feruz – Neil Lennon |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14564809 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 August 2011 |access-date=19 April 2012 }}</ref> There, he attended Hillhead High School, one of the most racially diverse secondary schools in Scotland.<ref name="HillheadTelegraph"/> He and his family originally lived in a high-rise flat in Castlemilk, but Feruz later moved them to an upscale area in Glasgow's Charing Cross.
==Club career==
===Celtic=== At age 10, Celtic fan Feruz was discovered by Celtic youth coach John Simpson while playing a kickabout at Castlemilk Sports Centre,<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/islam-feruz-set-to-make-history-as-youngest-scotland-u21-cap-1-2239481/amp| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191227155434/https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/islam-feruz-set-to-make-history-as-youngest-scotland-u21-cap-1-2239481/amp| archive-date = 2019-12-27| title = Islam Feruz set to make history as youngest Scotland U21 cap}}</ref> and joined Celtic's youth academy.<ref name="Bath">{{cite news |title=Richard Bath: 'Islam Feruz is taking the same route to sporting stardom as Mo Farah' |url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/richard-bath-islam-feruz-is-taking-the-same-route-to-sporting-stardom-as-mo-farah-1-1368332 |work=The Scotsman |publisher=Johnston Publishing |date=6 August 2010 |access-date=18 April 2012 }}</ref> Feruz was playing in Celtic's under-14 team at age 11. The team's manager John Sludden said that after only 20 minutes he could tell Feruz was a special player and compared his talent to that of Paul McStay, Charlie Nicholas and Aiden McGeady.<ref>{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Roberts |title=I knew Islam Feruz was special after just 20 minutes, says Celtic youth coach John Sludden |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/celtic/2009/10/31/i-knew-islam-feruz-was-special-after-just-20-minutes-says-celtic-youth-coach-john-sludden-86908-21786982/ |work=Daily Record |publisher=Media Scotland |date=31 October 2009 |access-date=18 April 2012 }}</ref> When Feruz was aged 12, he and his family were threatened with deportation back to his country of birth.<ref name="BBC16U21"/> Celtic youth coach Tommy Burns successfully campaigned for them to be able stay in Scotland,<ref>{{cite news |title=Islam Feruz exit to Chelsea disappoints Celtic's Johan Mjallby |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15080034 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 September 2011 |access-date=19 April 2012 }}</ref> and for the Feruzes to be granted British passports.<ref name="Tsifslosg">{{cite news |title=Islam Feruz's Scottish link on shaky ground |url=http://www.scotsman.com/the-scotsman/sport/football/islam-feruz-s-scottish-link-on-shaky-ground-1-2326018 |work=The Scotsman |publisher=Johnston Publishing |date=30 May 2012 |access-date=27 June 2012 }}</ref>
Feruz's first match for Celtic came in 2009 when, aged 14, he made an appearance in Tommy Burns' memorial match. At the start of the 2011–12 season, there was speculation that Feruz was going to leave the club for Chelsea. Celtic manager Neil Lennon said in August that he had not seen the player since the start of the season. He also expressed his disappointment that a player who Celtic had helped to stay in the country and moved into an expensive flat was possibly going to leave the club. However, he did not blame Feruz but his agents, who he felt were "badly advising" the player, for the situation.<ref name="LennonlosesFeruz"/><ref>{{cite news |first=Roddy |last=Forsyth |title=Neil Lennon claims teenage prodigy Islam Feruz was badly advised to quit Celtic for Chelsea |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/celtic/8790001/Neil-Lennon-claims-teenage-prodigy-Islam-Feruz-was-badly-advised-to-quit-Celtic-for-Chelsea.html |work=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|date=26 September 2011 |access-date=19 April 2012 }}</ref>
===Chelsea=== Feruz moved to English Premier League club Chelsea in September 2011, after rejecting a professional contract at Celtic.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ricky Sbragia insists Islam Feruz is set to return for Scotland after year-long absence |url=http://www.scotsman.com/the-scotsman/sport/football/ricky-sbragia-insists-islam-feruz-is-set-to-return-for-scotland-after-year-long-absence-1-2177174 |work=The Scotsman |publisher=Johnston Publishing |date=16 March 2012 |access-date=17 April 2012 }}</ref> Because of "a flaw in the legal system" Chelsea were able to sign him for only £300,000 compensation. His contract was reportedly worth £2,500 a week.<ref>{{cite news |title=Islam Feruz Set To Leave Celtic To Join Chelsea – Report |url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/222/transfer-zone/2011/08/16/2622143/islam-feruz-set-to-leave-celtic-to-join-chelsea-report |publisher=Goal |date=16 August 2011 |access-date=18 April 2012 }}</ref> He scored two goals in the 2012 FA Youth Cup first leg in April 2012<ref>{{cite news|last=Doyle|first=Joe|title=Chelsea 4-0 Blackburn: Feruz double sinks Rovers in FA Youth Cup first-leg final|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2900/fa-cup/2012/04/20/3049599/chelsea-4-0-blackburn-feruz-double-sinks-rovers-in-fa-youth|access-date=7 June 2017|publisher=Goal|date=20 April 2012}}</ref> as Chelsea youths went on to win the trophy for the second time in three years.<ref>{{cite news|last=Benson|first=Ryan|title=Blackburn 1-0 Chelsea (Agg 1-4): Visitors win FA Youth Cup despite Payne-inspired defeat in second leg|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2900/fa-cup/2012/05/09/3091855/blackburn-1-0-chelsea-agg-1-4-visitors-win-fa-youth-cup|access-date=7 June 2017|publisher=Goal|date=9 May 2012}}</ref>
Chelsea's official website described Feruz in early 2013 as "short but sharp with an electric turn of pace and able to get a shot in early."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/academy-article/article/2687209 |title=CHELSEA ACADEMY ARTICLE: ISLAM FERUZ |publisher=Chelsea FC |date=22 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115081626/http://www.chelseafc.com/academy-article/article/2687209 |archive-date=15 January 2013 }}</ref>
Feruz scored two goals in Chelsea's 6–0 win over Molde FK on 8 November 2012 in the NextGen Series.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/under21s-article/article/2974480/title/under-19s-report-chelsea-6-molde-0 |title=UNDER-19S REPORT: CHELSEA 6 MOLDE 0 |publisher=Chelsea FC |date=8 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005154352/http://www.chelseafc.com/under21s-article/article/2974480/title/under-19s-report-chelsea-6-molde-0 |archive-date=5 October 2013 }}</ref>
Feruz made his Chelsea first team debut against a Malaysia League XI on 21 July 2013, coming on as a substitute in the 32nd minute for Kevin De Bruyne,<ref>{{cite news|title=Chelsea debut for old Bhoy|url=https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/13260438.Chelsea_debut_for_old_Bhoy/|access-date=7 June 2017|work=Evening Times|date=22 July 2013}}</ref> but after half time he was replaced by André Schürrle.<ref>{{cite news|title=Malaysia All-Stars XI 1-4 Chelsea|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/malaysia-xi-vs-chelsea/teams/286593|access-date=7 June 2017|publisher=Sky Sports|date=21 July 2013}}</ref>
In January 2014, he signed a new long-term contract with Chelsea.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chelsea youngster Islam Feruz agrees new contract |url=https://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/9125395/premier-league-chelsea-youngster-islam-feruz-agrees-new-contract |publisher=Sky Sports |date=20 January 2014 |access-date=8 May 2014 }}</ref> Feruz was released by Chelsea on the final day of the January 2019 transfer window, after several brief unsuccessful spells out on loan at other clubs, and without ever making a competitive first team appearance for Chelsea.<ref>{{cite news|title=Youngsters Feruz, Wakefield, Joao Rodriguez leave Chelsea for good on Deadline Day|url=https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/chelsea-fc-transfer-rumours-news/2019/2/1/18207071/youngsters-feruz-wakefield-joao-rodriguez-leave-chelsea-for-good-on-deadline-day|access-date=9 July 2019|work=SB Nation|date=1 February 2019}}</ref>
==== Loan to OFI Crete ==== On 29 August 2014, Feruz agreed to join FC Krylia Sovetov,<ref>{{cite news|title=Transfer news: Chelsea starlet Islam Feruz agrees loan move to Krylia Sovetov|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/9446591/transfer-news-chelsea-starlet-islam-feruz-agrees-loan-move-to-krylia-sovetov|publisher=Sky Sports|date=29 August 2014}}</ref> but ended the loan just 48 hours after agreeing to the move to the Russian side because of being homesick.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chelsea prospect returns to club just 48 hours after completing Russian loan|url=http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2014/08/31/chelsea-prospect-back-in-london-48-hours-after-completing-russia/|publisher=HITC|date=31 August 2014}}</ref>
After cancelling his move to Russia, on 1 September 2014, Feruz signed a season-loan deal with Super League Greece club OFI, managed by Gennaro Gattuso.<ref>{{cite news|title=Season loan for Feruz|url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2014/09/season-loan-for-feruz-.html|publisher=Chelsea FC|date=1 September 2014|access-date=5 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905043555/http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2014/09/season-loan-for-feruz-.html|archive-date=5 September 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Twelve days later he made his only league appearance for the team, replacing Mayron George for the final 28 minutes of a 3–0 defeat to Olympiacos at the Karaiskakis Stadium.<ref>{{cite web|title=OLYMPIAKOS PIRAEUS VS. OFI 3 – 0|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/09/13/greece/super-league/olympiakos-cfp/ofi-heraklion-fc/1739073/|publisher=Perform Group|work=Soccerway|access-date=3 May 2015}}</ref> On 24 September he made his first career start in a 1–1 Greek Football Cup away draw at Zakynthos, being replaced by Andreas Lampropoulos after 62 minutes.<ref>{{cite web|title=ZAKYNTHOS VS. OFI 1 – 1|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/09/24/greece/cup/zakynthos-aps/ofi-heraklion-fc/1943185/|publisher=Perform Group|work=Soccerway|access-date=3 May 2015}}</ref> His only other game was also in the Cup group stages, starting at the Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium in a 1–0 win over Skoda Xanthi on 30 October and making way for eventual goalscorer George at half time.<ref>{{cite web|title=OFI VS. XANTHI 1 – 0|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/10/30/greece/cup/ofi-heraklion-fc/ao-xanthi/1945595/|publisher=Perform Group|work=Soccerway|access-date=3 May 2015}}</ref>
==== Loan to Blackpool ==== After training with Championship side Cardiff City earlier that month,<ref name=cardiff>{{cite news|title=Chelsea striker Islam Feruz trains with Cardiff City|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30680483|access-date=11 January 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 January 2015}}</ref> on 16 January 2015, Feruz joined another team in that division, Blackpool, for the remainder of the season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Feruz loaned to Blackpool|url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2015/01/feruz-loaned-to-blackpool.html|publisher=Chelsea F.C.|date=16 January 2015}}</ref> He made his Blackpool debut in a 2–0 defeat away to Wolverhampton Wanderers the following day, replacing Steve Davies for the final eight minutes at the Molineux Stadium.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wolves 2-0 Blackpool|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30758808|access-date=3 May 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 January 2015}}</ref> A week later he made the only other appearance of his loan, again replacing Davies at the same point in a 7–2 defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road.<ref>{{cite news|title=Watford 7-2 Blackpool|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30860531|access-date=3 May 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 January 2015}}</ref> Following a 4–0 defeat against Brentford, Feruz tweeted that "This team take more kick-offs than corners".<ref name="bpool">{{cite news|last=Watt|first=William|title=Feruz set for early Chelsea return|url=http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/blackpool-fc/pool-latest/feruz-set-for-early-chelsea-return-1-7129193|access-date=28 March 2016|work=Blackpool Gazette|date=27 February 2016}}</ref> He returned to Chelsea shortly afterwards, having only played a total of 16 minutes whilst on loan.<ref name="bpool" /> Blackpool ended the season with relegation to League One.<ref>{{cite news|title=Blackpool relegated from Championship to League One|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32197627|access-date=28 March 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 April 2015}}</ref>
==== Loan to Hibernian ==== On 1 September 2015, Feruz signed a season-loan deal with Scottish Championship club Hibernian.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Loan move for Feruz |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2015/09/loan-move-for-feruz.html |publisher=Chelsea FC |date=1 September 2015 |access-date=1 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150902222930/http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2015/09/loan-move-for-feruz.html |archive-date=2 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/chelsea-starlet-islam-feruz-signs-6362512 | title=Chelsea starlet Islam Feruz signs loan deal at Hibs and insists: It's great to be back in Scotland | publisher=Media Scotland|work=Daily Record| date=1 September 2015 | access-date=1 September 2015}}</ref> He made his debut seven days later, coming on as a 72nd-minute substitute for Liam Henderson during a 3–0 win at Easter Road against Alloa Athletic.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hibernian 3 Alloa 0: Hibs sting Wasps |url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl-lower-divisions/hibernian-3-alloa-0-hibs-sting-wasps-1-3884963 |work=The Scotsman |publisher=Johnston Publishing |date=12 September 2015 |access-date=15 September 2015}}</ref> Feruz failed to make an impact at Hibs and his loan was terminated on 14 January 2016 after the player had made just six substitute appearances in his time at the club.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Islam Feruz returns to Chelsea after loan spell at Hibs |url=https://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2016/01/islam-feruz-returns-to-chelsea-after-loan-spell-at-hibs/ |publisher=The Edinburgh Reporter |date=14 January 2016}}</ref>
In February 2016, Feruz went on trial with Kazakhstan Premier League side FC Aktobe. He lasted a day at the club's warm-weather training camp in Turkey before leaving again.<ref>{{cite web|title=ТЕРРИТОРИЯ КРАСНО-БЕЛЫХ|url=http://vk.com/fcaktobe?w=wall-98890_1018322|website=vk.com|access-date=7 February 2016|language=ru|date=7 February 2016}}</ref>
==== Loan to Excel Mouscron ==== On 31 August 2016, Feruz joined Wallonian Belgian side Excel Mouscron on a season-long loan.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Islam Feruz (Chelsea) arrive en prêt |url=http://www.rmp-foot.be/fr/actu.php?id=420&cat_id=&p=&search=#ontitle |publisher=Royal Excel Mouscron |date=31 August 2016 |access-date=31 August 2016 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923212807/http://www.rmp-foot.be/fr/actu.php?id=420&cat_id=&p=&search=#ontitle |archive-date=23 September 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Ten days later, he made his debut in the first division of Belgium in a 5–1 home defeat against Zulte Waregem, replacing Simon Diedhiou in the 70th minute.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Mouscron-Péruwelz vs. Zulte Waregem |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/09/10/belgium/pro-league/rrc-peruwelz/sv-zulte-waregem/2239245/ |publisher=Perform Group|work=Soccerway |date=10 September 2016 |access-date=10 September 2016}}</ref> On 7 January 2017, after a disappointing loan spell, Feruz returned to Chelsea.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Islam Feruz |url=https://twitter.com/HLNinEngeland/status/817693131629989889?lang=en-gb |via=Twitter|author=Kristof Terreur|work=@HLNinEngeland|date=7 January 2017 |access-date=7 January 2017}}</ref>
====Loan to Swindon Town==== On 11 January 2017, Feruz joined Swindon Town on loan for the remainder of the 2016–17 campaign.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Trio loaned west |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2017/01/trio-loaned-west.html |publisher=Chelsea FC |date=11 January 2017 |access-date=11 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112190557/http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2017/01/trio-loaned-west.html |archive-date=12 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Three days later, Feruz made his Swindon Town debut in their 2–1 victory over Bolton Wanderers, featuring for 60 minutes before being replaced by Jermaine Hylton.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Bolton Wanderers 1-2 Swindon Town |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38539088 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=14 January 2017 |access-date=15 March 2017}}</ref> On 28 February 2017, Feruz was fined £3,000 after he was caught driving an £80,000 Porsche whilst disqualified.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Driving ban footballer Islam Feruz fined £3,000 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-39117570 |publisher=BBC News |date=28 February 2017 |access-date=15 March 2017}}</ref> He only played four competitive games, and failed to score in any of them.<ref>{{cite news|last=Edwards|first=Martin|title=Blues' striker may be loan option again for Swindon Town|url=http://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/sport/15260108.Could_Feruz_have_a_future_at_Swindon_Town_/|access-date=7 June 2017|work=Gazette & Herald|date=3 May 2017|publisher=Newsquest (Midlands South)}}</ref>
===Retirement from football=== In April 2020, it was reported that Feruz had given up football to set up a company selling baseball caps.<ref>{{cite news |title=Paper talk |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/paper-talk-rice-on-the-menu/179489 |access-date=8 December 2020 |work=Sporting Life |date=28 April 2020}}</ref>
==International career== Although he was born abroad and has no Scottish heritage, Feruz is able to play for Scotland under the new school qualification rule, which allows players with five years of education in a country before the age of 18 to play for that country's national football team. In 2009, Feruz declared that he would play for the Scotland national team. He was the first footballer to switch to Scotland under this rule,<ref name="HillheadTelegraph">{{cite news |first=Roddy |last=Forsyth |title=Progress and potential of Islam Feruz is something for Scotland to celebrate |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/scottish-premier/6339384/Progress-and-potential-of-Islam-Feruz-is-something-for-Scotland-to-celebrate.html |work=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|date=16 October 2009 |access-date=18 April 2012 }}</ref> a change in FIFA's guidelines which Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith had pursued to accommodate players in Feruz's position.<ref name="Tsifslosg"/>
In September 2009, Feruz was called up to the Scotland under-17 team at only 14 years of age.<ref>{{cite news |title=Feruz, 14, won't be fazed by Scotland debut, says Mathie |url=http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1446516/ |work=The Press and Journal |publisher=DC Thomson |date=20 September 2009 |access-date=19 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017044942/http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1446516 |archive-date=17 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He scored on his debut against Cyprus. In April 2012, he was called up to the Scotland under-21 team aged 16, for a match against Italy.<ref>{{cite news |first=Roddy |last=Forsyth |title=Islam Feruz set to become Scotland's history boy |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/scotland/9209779/Islam-Feruz-set-to-become-Scotlands-history-boy.html |work=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|date=17 April 2012 |access-date=17 April 2012 }}</ref> The cap would make him the youngest player ever to feature for Scotland U21s.<ref name="BBC16U21">{{cite news |title=Chelsea's Islam Feruz, 16, may make Scotland U21 debut |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17749022 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 April 2012 |access-date=19 April 2012 }}</ref>
After turning in a poor performance at an Under-20 tournament in the Netherlands in May 2012, Feruz attracted some controversy when he tweeted that he "would love to play in the African Nation Cup! Despite being eligible to play for 2 African countries other than Som :P MyDream!!! :D". According to ''The Scotsman'', unverified reports suggest that Feruz could play for these two nations due to family connections.<ref name="Tsifslosg"/> His Twitter account was closed on 29 May, following "encouragement for him to do so from Chelsea."<ref name="Tsifslosg"/>
On 14 October 2012, Feruz scored a hat-trick for the Scotland Under-19 team in a 4–3 victory against Switzerland, with Scotland winning their qualification group.<ref>{{cite news |title=Feruz bags hat-trick as Scotland U19s win Euro group |url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_fa_news.cfm?page=2986&newsCategoryID=6&newsID=10778 |publisher=Scottish Football Association |date=14 October 2012 |access-date=14 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701170055/http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_fa_news.cfm?page=2986&newsCategoryID=6&newsID=10778 |archive-date=1 July 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Speaking after that game, Scottish FA performance chief Mark Wotte stated his belief that Feruz could be a top striker for the full national team.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19947038 |title=Islam Feruz 'can be Scots' top striker', says Mark Wotte |publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 October 2012 |access-date=15 October 2012}}</ref> Stepping up to the U21s again in November 2012, Feruz scored twice for Scotland in a 3–2 defeat away against the Portugal Under-21 side.<ref>{{cite web|title=Islam Feruz – Under 21|url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/football_player_profile.cfm?page=2492&playerID=87060&squadID=5|website=Scottish FA|access-date=23 August 2015}}</ref> His last appearance at any level for Scotland was in a friendly match against England U21s on 13 August 2013, where Scotland lost 6–0 and Feruz was substituted after 62 minutes.<ref name=Scotsman>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/latest-hibs-news/alan-pattullo-lament-unfulfilled-career-islam-feruz-1404811|title=Alan Pattullo: Lament for the unfulfilled career of Islam Feruz|website=scotsman.com|date=18 October 2019 }}</ref>
On 22 May 2014, after Feruz turned down multiple call ups at youth level it was reported that Feruz had turned his back on representing Scotland, but SFA representatives refused to rule out him returning to the fold in future.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13161865.sfa-leave-door-open-feruz-steps-away/|title=SFA leave door open as Feruz steps away|website=HeraldScotland|date=23 May 2014 }}</ref> In August 2015, Feruz denied having turned his back on Scotland, stating "I've never said I didn't want to be considered for Scotland", adding "Some of the things which have been said about me not wanting to play have been untrue. I want to play for Scotland and I'll be honoured if I'm selected. I'm proud to have played for the national team at different age groups."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Parks|first1=Gordon|title=Former Celtic youngster Islam Feruz says he would be 'honoured' to make it into the Scotland squad in new cap vow|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-celtic-youngster-islam-feruz-6303966#rlabs=8%20sitewide|publisher=Media Scotland|work=Daily Record|access-date=23 August 2015|date=23 August 2015}}</ref>
==Career statistics== {{updated|match played 30 April 2017.}}<ref>{{Soccerway|islam-feruz/154188}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National Cup !colspan="2"|League Cup !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="1" valign="center"|OFI (loan) |2014–15 |Super League Greece |1||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||3||0 |- |rowspan="1" valign="center"|Blackpool (loan) |2014–15 |Championship |2||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||2||0 |- |rowspan="1" valign="center"|Hibernian (loan) |2015–16 |Scottish Championship |6||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||6||0 |- |rowspan="1" valign="center"|Excel Mouscron (loan) |2016–17 |Belgian First Division A |7||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||8||0 |- |rowspan="1" valign="center"|Swindon Town (loan) |2016–17 |League One |4||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||4||0 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !20!!0!!3!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!23!!0 |}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
==Awards== In 2010, Feruz was awarded the Young Scot Sport Award. The prize annually recognises youngsters between the ages of 12 and 22 who have contributed positively to communities in Scotland.<ref name="Yfch"/>
== Honours ==
=== Club === ; Chelsea Reserves<ref>{{Cite news |title=Islam Feruz |url=http://thechels.info/wiki/Islam_Feruz |publisher=TheChels.info |access-date=13 July 2017}}</ref> * FA Youth Cup: 2011–12 * Barclays U21 Premier League: 2013–14
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * {{Soccerbase}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Feruz, Islam}} Category:1995 births Category:Living people Category:Scottish Muslims Category:Black British sportsmen Category:Scottish people of Somali descent Category:People educated at Hillhead High School Category:Scottish men's footballers Category:Men's association football forwards Category:Chelsea F.C. players Category:OFI Crete F.C. players Category:Blackpool F.C. players Category:Hibernian F.C. players Category:Royal Excel Mouscron players Category:Swindon Town F.C. players Category:FK Radnički Niš players Category:Super League Greece players Category:English Football League players Category:Scottish Professional Football League players Category:Belgian Pro League players Category:Scotland men's youth international footballers Category:Scotland men's under-21 international footballers Category:Scottish expatriate men's footballers Category:Scottish expatriate sportspeople in Greece Category:Scottish expatriate sportspeople in Belgium Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Greece Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Belgium Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Serbia Category:Somalian men's footballers Category:Somalian emigrants to the United Kingdom Category:Naturalised citizens of the United Kingdom Category:Naturalised association football players Category:Scottish expatriate sportspeople in Serbia Category:Dubai City FC players Category:UAE Second Division League players Category:Expatriate men's footballers in the United Arab Emirates Category:Scottish expatriate sportspeople in the United Arab Emirates Category:21st-century Scottish sportsmen