Are you a football enthusiast who dreams of making a career out of this sport? If that’s the case, partnering with a football club or football association could lead you to the next stage in your endeavor. We have compiled these most eminent football clubs in India to ease your search.
Football- The History of India
Football was brought to India by the British during their rule. It first made its way into the hearts of sports lovers in Kolkata, West Bengal. Today, football is very popular in India, just next to cricket. And, it is the second widely played and followed sport in the country.
The first recorded football match in India took place in 1892. Later, in 1937, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) was established to oversee the sport’s development. India played its first international match against Australia in 1938. The nation achieved significant success in the 1951 Asian Games, securing its first gold medal.
India’s performance improved again in the late 2000s, with the team winning the Nehru Cup in 2007 and 2008. Their success in international tournaments helped them qualify for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar. Indian football clubs have since continued to make their mark in international competitions.
Here’s the list of Top 6 Football Clubs in India:
1. Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City FC was formed in August 2014 has emerged as one of the most prominent football clubs in India. It is the Maharashtra-state-based club that head coaches Des Buckingham. Other amazing examples of players include Valpuia, Mehtab Singh, Vikram Partap Singh, and Phurba Lachenpa. The Islanders, as they usually call themselves, are a team.
2. ATK Mohun Bagan
ATK Mohun Bagan is one among the oldest football clubs not only in the country but founded in Asia as a whole. Registered in 1889, as the formation of the Mohun Bagan Sporting Club, the name was changed later as ATK acquired 80% shares of the club. Some important players in the club are Subhashish Bose (team captain), Vishal Kaith, Anirudh Thapa, and Anwar Ali.
3. Bengaluru FC
Bengaluru FC was established in the year 2013, and it captured the limelight by winning its league championship in the first year of playing. Most often referred to as The Blues, Simon Grayson coaches the team, with Sunil Chhetri captain leading the side. Other prominent players include Keziah Veendorp, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Paras Shrivas, and Aleksandar Jovanović. Their dedicated fan base goes by the name West Block Blues.
4. Chennaiyin FC
Based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Chennaiyin FC was founded in 2014. The club has gained a strong following over the years. Some of its key players include Samik Mitra, Ryan Edwards, Ankit Mukherjee, Lazar Cirkovic, and Ninthoi Meetei. The team is affectionately called Marina Machans.
5. Kerala Blasters
Kerala Blasters, popularly known as The Blasters, is a club based in Kochi, Kerala. Established in May 2014, the team is managed by head coach Ivan Vukomanovic. Some of its top players include Karanjit Singh, Hormipam Ruivah, Sandeep Singh, and Jeakson Singh. The club’s passionate fan base is known as Manjappada or The Yellow Army.
6. FC Goa
Founded in 2014, FC Goa has established itself as a dominant force in Indian football. The club’s head coach, Manolo Marquez, has helped nurture talents like Brandon Fernandes, Dheeraj Singh, Sanson Pereira, and Sandesh Jhingan. The team’s captain is Carl McHugh, and they are popularly known as The Gaurs.
FAQs
1. What are the two legacy football clubs in India?
The two most historic football clubs in India are East Bengal FC (founded in 1920) and Mohun Bagan AC (founded in 1889).
2. Which is the oldest football club in India?
Mohun Bagan AC holds the distinction of being the oldest football club in India, with a legacy spanning over 130 years since its establishment in 1889.
3. Who is considered the father of Indian football?
Nagendra Prasad Sarbadhakari is regarded as the father of Indian football. He played a crucial role in promoting the sport in the country during its early days.
