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Karim Benzema
Personal information
Full nameKarim Mostafa Benzema[1]
Date of birth19 December 1987 (age 31)[2]
Place of birthLyon, France
Height1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)[3]
Playing positionStriker
Club information
Current team
Real Madrid
Number9
Youth career
1996–2005Lyon
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2004–2006Lyon B20(15)
2004–2009Lyon112(43)
2009–Real Madrid312(148)
National team‡
2004France U174(1)
2004–2005France U1817(14)
2005–2006France U199(5)
2006France U215(0)
2007–France81(27)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 11:57, 19 May 2019 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 11 October 2015

Karim Mostafa Benzema (French pronunciation: ​[kaʁim bɛnzema]; born 19 December 1987) is a French professional footballer who plays as a striker for Spanish club Real Madrid and the France national team.[4] He has been described as an 'immensely talented striker' who is 'strong and powerful' and 'a potent finisher from inside the box'.[5]

Benzema was born in the city of Lyon and began his football career with local club Bron Terraillon. In 1996, he joined Olympique Lyonnais, and subsequently came through the club's youth academy. Benzema made his professional debut in the 2004–05 season and appeared sporadically in his first three seasons as Lyon won three titles in that span. In the 2007–08 season, Benzema became a starter and had a breakthrough year scoring over 30 goals as Lyon won its seventh straight league title. For his performances, he was named the National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) Ligue 1Player of the Year and named to the organization's Team of the Year. Benzema was also the league's top scorer and given the Bravo Award by Italian magazine Guerin Sportivo. After another season at Lyon, in July 2009, Benzema moved to Real Madrid in a transfer fee worth over €35 million ($50 million), and signed a six-year contract.[6] After struggling to establish himself in his debut season with the club, in the ensuing two seasons, Benzema reached prominence, scoring 32 goals en route to helping Real Madrid win the Copa del Rey in 2011 and the 2011–12 edition of La Liga. He has been named French Player of the Year three times for his performances in 2011, 2012 and 2014.[7][8]

Benzema is a former French youth international and has represented his nation from under-17 level onwards. Prior to playing for the senior team, he played on the under-17 team that won the 2004 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. Benzema made his senior international debut in March 2007 in a friendly match against Austria, scoring in a 1–0 win. Benzema has earned over 80 caps and represented France at three major international tournaments: the 2008 and 2012 editions of the UEFA European Championship and the 2014 FIFA World Cup. However, Benzema has been left out of major tournament squads on three occasions: 2010 World Cup due to lack of playing time with Real Madrid, Euro 2016 after a publicised scandal involving blackmail, and 2018 World Cup for alleged tactical reasons.[9][10][11]

  • 1Club career
    • 1.2Lyon
    • 1.3Real Madrid
  • 2International career
    • 2.2Senior
  • 4Personal life
  • 5Career statistics

Club career[edit]

Early career[edit]

'When I was younger, the way Ronaldo played had an influence on me. For me, he’s the best striker of all-time. I watch videos of him, and try to do what he does, but it’s not easy. It’s impossible to pull off the same moves as he did.'

—Benzema on the influence of his idol, Brazilian striker Ronaldo, on his own career.[12]

Benzema began his football career at his hometown club Bron Terraillon SC at the age of eight. While at the club, he was nicknamed Coco by friends and, after scoring two goals in an under-10 match against the Lyon youth academy, began attracting attention from the biggest club in the city.[13][14] According to Serge Santa Cruz, who was president of Bron Terraillon in the 1990s, Lyon officials had visited him directly in an attempt to sign the youngster; however, Santa Cruz refused.[15] After talking with Benzema's father, the club allowed the player to undergo a trial with Lyon.[15] Following the trial, Benzema officially joined Lyon and was inserted into the club's academy.[16]

Lyon[edit]

Benzema quickly ascended up the youth categories in the academy. He served as a ballboy during Lyon senior team matches and performed well in school being described as a student who was 'discreet and respectful'.[15][17] At under-16 level, Benzema scored 38 goals in the Championnat National des 16 ans, the domestic league for under-16 youth players in France.[18] Ahead of the 2004–05 season, Benzema was promoted to the club's reserve team, which was playing in the Championnat de France amateur, the fourth division of French football. Despite only playing with the team during the autumn campaign, he scored a team-high ten goals as the Lyon reserve team finished second in its group.[19]

2004–2007[edit]

Benzema was called up to the senior team for the first time under manager Paul Le Guen during the break leading up to the second half of the season. As is customary with new players arriving at Lyon, the young striker had to stand up and speak to his new teammates, which at that time included the likes of Michael Essien, Sylvain Wiltord, Florent Malouda and Eric Abidal.[20] While speaking, Benzema was subjected to jokes and laughter, which prompted the youngster to declare, 'Do not laugh, I'm here to take your place.'[20] He, subsequently, made his professional debut on 15 January 2005 against Metz, appearing as a substitute for Pierre-Alain Frau. Lyon won the match 2–0 as Benzema provided the assist on the second goal scored by Bryan Bergougnoux.[14][21] He would subsequently sign his first professional contract, agreeing to a three-year deal.[22] After making three more appearances as a substitute, on 2 April Benzema made his first professional start in a 1–0 win over Lens.[23] He finished the campaign with six appearances as Lyon won its fourth-straight league title.

Benzema began the 2005–06 season under the tutelage of new manager Gérard Houllier. Under Houllier, he struggled for meaningful minutes due to the presence of newly signed Brazilian striker Fred, as well as Sylvain Wiltord. Benzema made his season debut on 2 October 2005 in a league win over Rennes, appearing as a substitute.[24] On 6 December, he made his UEFA Champions League debut in Lyon's final group stage match against Norwegian club Rosenborg. On his competition debut, he scored his first professional goal in a 2–1 win.[25] A month later, Benzema scored his first professional double in a 4–0 win over Grenoble in the Coupe de France.[26] On 4 March 2006, Benzema scored his first professional league goal against Ajaccio in a 3–1 win.[27]

Benzema began earning more playing time in the 2006–07 season and made his competitive season debut in the 2006 Trophée des Champions against Paris Saint-Germain. In the French Supercup, Benzema converted a penalty which drew the match at 1–1. Lyon later won the league curtain-raiser 5–4 on penalties.[28] Benzema opened the league campaign on a quick note scoring in the team's first match of the season against Nantes.[29] Three weeks later, on 26 August 2006, Benzema appeared as a substitute and scored two goals in a 4–1 away win over Nice.[30] He also converted two goals in the Champions League group stage against Romanian outfit Steaua București and Ukrainian club Dynamo Kyiv.[31][32] After appearing regularly during the autumn campaign, on 10 November, Benzema suffered a severe thigh injury.[33] The injury resulted in the striker missing three months of action before returning in February 2007. Benzema failed to score a goal until the final league match of the season against Nantes as Lyon recorded its sixth consecutive league title.[34]

2007–08 season[edit]

For the 2007–08 season, with the likes of Florent Malouda, John Carew and Sylvain Wiltord all departing from the club, Benzema switched to the number 10 shirt and was inserted into the lead striker role. After forming a special relationship with new manager Alain Perrin, he responded with 31 goals in 51 games. He topped the league with 20 goals, scored four goals in the Champions League, one in the Coupe de la Ligue and totaled six goals in six Coupe de France matches, helping Lyon win their first ever double.[35] Some of his more dazzling performances that season included a hat-trick against Metz on 15 September,[36] an equalizing goal in the 90th minute from a free kick against Derby du Rhône rivals Saint-Étienne,[37] and a goal against Lens that was nominated for goal of the season by fans.

In the Champions League, Benzema scored an important double against Rangers at Ibrox Stadium on the last match day of the group stage. The 3–0 victory assured Lyon progression to the knockout rounds.[38] In the knockout rounds, Lyon faced Manchester United and Benzema continued to score, this time it was from outside the penalty box in the first leg match which ended in a 1–1 draw[39] and United eventually won the tie 1–2 on aggregate. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and players praised Benzema for his performance.[40] Lyon club president Jean-Michel Aulas later accused Ferguson of tapping-up Benzema.[41][42]

'It's a compliment to be compared to Zinedine Zidane, but we are different players.'

—Benzema in 2008 after being compared to his French compatriot Zidane.[43]

On 13 March 2008, Benzema extended his contract with Lyon until 2013 with a one-year extension option.[44] After signing his new contract, Benzema became one of the highest paid footballers in France.[45] For his efforts that season, he was named the Ligue 1 Player of the Year, selected to the Team of the Year and awarded the Trophée du Meilleur Buteur for being the league's top scorer.[46][47] He was also shortlisted by French magazine France Football for the 2008 Ballon d'Or award,[48] eventually won by Cristiano Ronaldo.

2008–09 season[edit]

Benzema got off to a good start for the 2008–09 season, scoring twice in Lyon's opening league match against Toulouse.[49] The following three weeks, he scored goals against Rhône-Alpes rivals Grenoble[50] and Saint-Étienne[51] and scored a goal against Nice, converting a penalty in the dying seconds.[52] Lyon won all three matches. As a result of his early goals, Lyon club president Jean-Michel Aulas quelled the many transfer rumors surrounding Benzema by placing a €100 million price tag on the striker. He was also nominated alongside Franck Ribéry to be featured on the French cover of the video game FIFA 09.[53]

Benzema during a training session with Lyon

He scored his seventh goal of the league on 29 October, scoring in the 2–0 win over Sochaux. Benzema scored again the following weekend in a 2–0 win over Le Mans.[54] He was among the top scorers in the Champions League group stage, scoring five goals,[55] a double against Steaua București,[56] two goals in two matches against Fiorentina,[57][58] and a goal against the eventual group winners Bayern Munich on the final match day.[59]

Following the winter break, Benzema endured a rough patch going scoreless the first three games before recording his 11th goal of the season against Nice in a 3–1 victory.[60] Two weeks later, he scored his 12th goal against Nancy in a 2–0 victory.[61] The next nine matches, both Benzema and Lyon's form dwindled losing four matches, drawing three and winning only two with Benzema scoring only two goals in that stretch, both of them against Le Mans in a 3–1 victory.[62] The bad form resulted in Lyon losing their grip on first-place position and eventually falling out of the title race, thus ending their streak of seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles.[63] Benzema was a part of four of those title runs.

Despite losing the title, Benzema got back on track scoring his 15th and 16th goals of the season on 17 May in a 3–1 away victory over rivals Marseille, the first goal being a penalty.[64] He scored his 17th goal the following weekend against Caen in a 3–1 victory moving him into third place among Ligue 1 top scorers.[65]

Real Madrid[edit]

2009–10 season[edit]

On 1 July 2009, it was announced that Lyon had reached an agreement with Spanish club Real Madrid for the transfer of Benzema. The transfer fee was priced at €35 million with the fee rising to as much as €41 million based on incentives.[66][67][68][69] On 9 July, Benzema successfully passed his medical and signed his contract, a six-year deal, later that afternoon.[70] He was presented officially as a Real Madrid player later that night at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, similarly to the previous signings of Kaká and Cristiano Ronaldo.[71] Benzema made his Real Madrid debut on 20 July in the club's opening pre-seasonfriendly against Irish club Shamrock Rovers in Dublin, appearing as a half-time substitute.[72] He scored the lone goal in the club's 1–0 win, scoring in the 87th minute.[73] On 24 August, Benzema netted two goals in Real Madrid's 4–0 victory over Norwegian club Rosenborg in an annual friendly tournament organized for the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy.[74] The goals brought his total tally in the pre-season with Real Madrid to five, making him the joint top scorer alongside fellow striker Raúl.[75]

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Benzema made his league debut for Madrid on 29 August 2009 against Deportivo La Coruña. He started the match, but was substituted out in the second half as Madrid won 3–2.[76] A month later, he scored his first goal for the club in a 5–0 victory against newly promoted Xerez.[77] After missing the mid-week match against Villarreal, against Tenerife at the weekend, Benzema scored his first double for Madrid in a 3–0 home victory.[78] He made his Champions League debut for the club on 30 September in a group stage tie against Marseille.[79] In the match, Benzema assisted on a Cristiano Ronaldo goal.[80] After failing to score a goal in the month of October, in the team's first match in November against Italian club Milan in the Champions League, Benzema scored the opener to give Madrid a 1–0 lead. His goal was later cancelled out by a Ronaldinho penalty.[81] On 7 November, in the El Derbi madrileño against Atlético Madrid, Benzema assisted on Madrid's second goal, scored by Marcelo. Madrid won the match 3–2.[82]

Benzema playing against Marseille in a 2009 Champions League match.

In late November, Benzema began appearing mainly as a substitute as manager Manuel Pellegrini preferred Gonzalo Higuaín in the lead striker role. To coincide with his benching, the striker was also being criticized by the Spanish media for his under-performance and difficulties settling in the country as he had not yet begun learning the Spanish language.[83][84] He was even declared the 'new Anelka' by a Spanish newspaper Marca blogger, referring to former Real Madrid striker Nicolas Anelka who had a tumultuous year at the club before being sold.[85] Benzema was defended by his compatriot Zinedine Zidane, who admitted 'after two months, I was also criticized' and that Benzema was 'a talented player and talented players in Madrid must win'.[86]

On 5 December, Benzema appeared as a substitute for Rafael van der Vaart and scored the third goal in a 6–0 romp of Almería.[87] The day after the match against Almería, Benzema responded to the criticism by stating, 'I am totally integrated and very happy at Real Madrid,' and, 'Yes, I have improved my adaptation. I have a new home and I'm learning Spanish to understand myself better with my teammates.'[88] After nearly a month coming off of the bench, he started alongside Higuaín away to Valencia on 12 December and responded by assisting on one of Higuaín's two goals.[89] A week later, Benzema returned to the bench. On his 22nd birthday, he scored in a 6–0 home win against Real Zaragoza.[90][91] Following an injury to Higuaín in early January 2010, Pellegrini inserted Benzema back into the starting lineup.[92] After failing to score in his first two starts in the absence of Higuaín, against Deportivo La Coruña on 30 January, he scored a double in an important 3–1 away win.[93][94] Following the return of Higuaín, Benzema was relegated back to a substitute's role and finished the campaign by making eight consecutive appearances off the bench. Included in one of those appearances was his final goal of the season against Athletic Bilbao in a 5–1 win.[95]

2010–11 season[edit]

Benzema playing in a league match against Villarreal

Ahead of the 2010–11 season, Benzema switched to the number 9 shirt as Real Madrid were under the tutelage of new incoming manager José Mourinho. The striker immediately drew the ire of Mourinho who declared to reporters during a pre-season media session that 'Benzema must understand that he is extremely talented, but that in itself is not enough', while also stating that '[Madrid] need a striker who is sparky, not one that is listless'.[96] Mourinho sentiments were later echoed by incoming France national team coach Laurent Blanc who acknowledged that Benzema was 'not used to working'.[97] Blanc also stated that the striker needed to shed weight in order to fulfill his potential.[98]

Due to Mourinho preferring Ronaldo and Higuaín as his forwards,[97] Benzema began the campaign as a substitute coming off the bench in the team's opening league match of the season against Mallorca.[99] Following the September international break, he made his first start in a 1–0 win over Osasuna.[100] On 21 September, Benzema made a substitute appearance and scored his first goal of the season in a 3–0 home win against Espanyol.[101] Afterwards, the striker failed to score a domestic goal for nearly two months. The striker did assist on goals in back-to-back weeks against Hércules in the league and Milan in the Champions League.[102][103]

Benzema celebrating a goal against Espanyol in La Liga.

On 10 November, Benzema scored his second goal of the campaign against Real Murcia in the 2010–11 edition of the Copa del Rey.[104] In late November, Benzema was inserted into the starting eleven following a severe back injury to Higuaín, along with the team's lack of senior strikers. In his first match since being inserted into the starting lineup permanently, he scored his first Champions League goal of the season in a group stage fixture against Dutch club Ajax.[105] In Madrid's final group stage tie against French outfit Auxerre, Benzema scored his first hat trick for the club in a 4–0 win. The first goal he scored was Real Madrid's 300th goal in the Champions League era.[106][107] Two weeks later, Benzema converted another hat trick, this time in an 8–0 thrashing of Levante in the Copa del Rey.[108] In the team's first fixture of the 2011 calendar year, he assisted on the game-winning goal scored by Ronaldo in a 3–2 win over Getafe.[109] In late January, for the first time in his Real Madrid career, Benzema scored goals in back-to-back matches. On 23 January, he scored the only goal in a 1–0 win at home against Mallorca.[110] Three days later, Benzema repeated his efforts scoring the only goal in a win over Sevilla in the first leg of the team's Copa del Rey semi-final tie.[111] Real Madrid later advanced to its 37th Copa del Rey final in club history after beating Sevilla 2–0 in the second leg.[112]

Following the arrival of Emmanuel Adebayor on loan, Benzema went unused in two consecutive league matches in February 2011. He returned to the starting lineup on 19 February and embarked on a run in which he scored ten goals in eight matches. Included in those ten goals were doubles in three straight matches against Málaga, Racing de Santander and Hércules, as well as a goal in the first leg of Madrid's Round of 16 tie against former club Lyon.[113][114][115] The strike against his hometown club was the 100th goal of his professional career, and also the first goal for Real Madrid at the Stade de Gerland in six years, though despite the honours associated with netting the goal, Benzema did not celebrate out of respect for his former club.[116]

Benzema playing in a league match against Almería.

On 19 March, he scored the opener in the El Derbi madrileño as Real Madrid went on to win the match 2–1.[117] Despite his form, Benzema appeared in only one of the four highly anticipated matches against El Clásico rivals Barcelona, in which the two clubs met in the league, the 2011 Copa del Rey Final and the Champions League knockout stage. In between those clashes, on 23 April 2011, Benzema scored a goal and assisted on another in a 6–3 win over Valencia.[118] On 30 April, he scored a goal in the team's 3–2 loss to Real Zaragoza.[119] It was the only match of the campaign that Real Madrid loss, in which Benzema scored. To close out the campaign, Benzema scored another double in an 8–1 win over Almería.[120] He finished the campaign second on the team behind Ronaldo with 26 goals as Real Madrid captured the Copa del Rey giving Benzema his first honour with the club.[121] For his performances during the campaign, particularly during the second half, Benzema was praised by Mourinho, club officials Florentino Pérez and Emilio Butragueño, as well as national team manager Laurent Blanc.[122][123][124]

2011–12 season[edit]

Prior to the start of the 2011–12 season, Benzema, taking the advice of compatriots Blanc and Zidane,[125][126] ventured to Merano, Italy, to attend a high performance clinic where he underwent treatment to reduce his weight.[127] The spell at the clinic was ultimately a success after the striker arrived at pre-season 8 kilograms (18 lb) lighter.[127] While at the clinic, Benzema also underwent physical training to build up his muscle mass.[127] The striker was impressive in the pre-season scoring eight goals in seven matches.[128] His performances during the pre-season resulted in Mourinho naming him the starting lead striker for the new campaign. Mourinho was later credited with Benzema's transformation,[129] but denied full responsibility and, instead, gave credit to the striker himself.[130]

Benzema made his 2011–12 competitive debut for Madrid in the first leg of the 2011 Supercopa de España against Barcelona. In the match, he started and assisted on the opening goal of the match, scored by Mesut Özil.[131] In the second leg, with Madrid trailing 4–3 on aggregate late in the match, Benzema scored the equalizing goal to even the tie at 4–4. However, six minutes later, a Lionel Messi strike gave Barcelona the supercup.[132] Benzema made his league debut for Madrid in the team's 6–0 away win over Real Zaragoza.[133] In the team's next league match two weeks later against Getafe, Benzema scored a double in a 4–2 victory.[134] After going scoreless in three consecutive league matches, he scored his third league goal of the campaign against Rayo Vallecano in a 4–2 win.[135] In the team's ensuing match against Ajax in the Champions League, Benzema scored Madrid's third goal in a 3–0 home win.[136] He also assisted on the opener, which was scored by Ronaldo.[137] In the club's next Champions League match against Lyon, Benzema scored again netting the opener. He also turned provider for the second consecutive match assisting on a goal by Sami Khedira.[138] Madrid won the match 4–0.[139]

'Benzema deserves full credit for his transformation. He had some help from me, from his teammates and from Zizou, but he deserves the credit.'

—José Mourinho, on Benzema's successful progression in 2011.[130]

In November 2011, Benzema scored five goals; three in the league and two in Europe. In the league, he converted his three goals in wins over Osasuna and Valencia, while he scored his two Champions League goals in a 6–2 group stage win over Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb.[140][141][142] On 10 December 2011, Benzema scored the opener in Madrid's 3–1 defeat to Barcelona in the El Clásico.[143] The goal, scored just 21 seconds into the match, was the fastest goal ever scored in a match between the two rivals.[144] Three days after his record-breaking goal, for his performances during the 2011 calendar year, Benzema was named the France FootballFrench Player of the Year, beating out Barcelona defender Eric Abidal and Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.[145] He became only the second French player based in Spain to win the award, and also the second Real Madrid player to capture it. Zidane was the first to achieve both honorable mentions. Benzema expressed gratitude at winning the award, stating, 'It is a pleasure to win an individual trophy. When I see the previous winners – Zidane, Henry and other major players – it makes me proud to join them on the list.'[146] In the team's next match after winning the award, against Sevilla, Benzema assisted on two goals in a 6–2 triumph.[147]

Benzema training ahead of a Champions League match in 2012.

Benzema opened the 2012 portion of the campaign in positive form. He scored goals against Granada and Málaga.[148] Benzema scored against the latter club in the Copa del Rey in each leg of the Round of 16.[149][150] The 4–2 aggregate win advanced Real Madrid to the quarter-finals where the club faced Barcelona. After failing to score in the first leg, which ended 2–1 in favour of Barça,[151] in the second leg on 25 January 2012, Benzema scored his third goal of the season against the Blaugrana, but Madrid failed to win the tie losing 4–3 on aggregate.[152] On 12 February, Benzema scored his first league goal in over a month against Levante.[153] A week later, he scored a double in a 4–0 shutout of Racing Santander.[154] On 24 March, Benzema scored two goals in a league win over Real Sociedad.[155] The two goals made him the top French scorer in La Liga history surpassing Zidane.[156] Three days later, Benzema scored another double in a 3–0 first leg away win over Cypriot club APOEL in the Champions League quarter-finals.[157] On 29 April, Benzema put in a masterpiece performance scoring two goals and assisting on another in a 3–0 win over Sevilla. The double was his seventh of the season and allowed Madrid to close in on its first Primera Division title in four years.[158]Los Blancos captured their 32nd league title the following week cruising to a 3–0 win over Athletic Bilbao.[159] Benzema appeared as a second-half substitute in the match.[160]

2012–13 season[edit]

On the first matchday of the UEFA Champions League, Benzema scored an equalizer against Manchester City in 3–2 win at Santiago Bernabéu. On 4 October 2012, Benzema scored a bicycle kick goal off a cross by Kaká in a 4–1 win against Ajax in Amsterdam.[161] On 18 December 2012, one day before his 25th birthday, his fine form saw him earn the award for best French footballer of 2012, for the second year running.[162]

On 2 March 2013, Benzema opened the scoring against Barcelona in the league game at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real went on to win the game 2–1, the second time they beat Barcelona in a week. On 30 April 2013, Benzema scored one goal and assisted to Sergio Ramos against Dortmund.[163]

2013–14 season[edit]

Benzema started new season by scoring in a 2–1 win over Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu.[164] He scored again one week later in a 1–0 away over Granada, assisted by Cristiano Ronaldo.[165] After four matches without scoring (two with Real Madrid and two with France), he returned to goal-scoring form by netting twice in a 6–1 away win over Galatasaray in Champions League.[166] On 18 January 2014, he scored his 100th goal for Madrid in a 5–0 victory at Real Betis.[167] On 23 March, Benzema scored two goals against fierce rivals Barcelona in El Clásico at the Bernabéu from two crosses by Ángel Di María, taking his goal tally in La Liga to 17 goals, though Barcelona won the match 4–3.[168]

Benzema was part of Real Madrid's starting eleven in the 2014 Copa del Rey Final on 16 April at the Mestalla Stadium, and assisted Di María's opening goal before Gareth Bale hit the winner for Madrid in a 2–1 victory.[169] One week later, Benzema scored the only goal of the game to win the first leg of a Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich.[170] The club went on to win the final in May. Real Madrid's attacking trio of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano, dubbed 'BBC', finished the season with 97 goals.[171]

2014–15 season[edit]

Benzema during the 2014–15 season

On 6 August 2014, Real Madrid announced that Benzema had signed a new five-year deal that will keep him at the club until 2019.[172] On 12 August 2014, Benzema played the whole 90 minutes in Real Madrid's 2–0 win against Sevilla in Cardiff to claim the UEFA Super Cup.

On 16 September 2014, Benzema scored Real Madrid's 1,000th goal in European competition after netting a goal in a 5–1 victory over FC Basel in the first match of the Champions League group stage.[173] He scored the winning goal in Real Madrid's 2–1 away victory against Ludogorets Razgrad in the Champions League after coming on as a second-half substitute.[174] The next weekend, he scored a brace in the 5–0 victory against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.[175]

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Benzema was chosen as La Liga Player of the Month for October 2014, with his manager Carlo Ancelotti winning the equivalent award. He scored three of Real Madrid's 13 goals of the month, in which they won three matches and only conceded just one goal.[176]

2015–16 season[edit]

Benzema scored a hatrick in an 8–0 thrashing against Malmö FF on 8 December 2015.[177] On 20 December 2015, he scored another hatrick in a 10–2 victory over Rayo Vallecano.[178]

He was a regular starter when the team won the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League.[179]

2016–17 season[edit]

Benzema with Real Madrid in 2015

In December 2016, Benzema was called up in Real Madrid's squad for 2016 FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.[180] In the semi-final match against América on 15 December, Benzema scored in the last moments of the first half, helping the team to progress in the final by winning 2–0.[181] In the final three days later against Kashima Antlers, Benzema opened the score in the 9th minute, and also assisted Ronaldo's second goal, as Real Madrid won 4–2 in extra time after the regular time finished 2–2 to claim their second title.[182] It was Benzema's tenth title with Real Madrid, and finished the competition as joint-second topscorer with two goals in two matches.[183]

On 15 February 2017, in the first leg of 2016–17 UEFA Champions Leagueround of 16 against Napoli, Benzema scored Real Madrid's first goal in an eventual 3–1 home win, which was his 51st goal in this competition, overtaking Thierry Henry on the list of all-time Champions League top scorers.[184] It was his first goal in six matches and for this performance he was voted Man of the Match.[185]

He was a regular starter, and scored the last goal of the season which gave him eleven for the campaign, when Madrid won the 2016–17 La Liga[186][187] and the 2016–17 UEFA Champions League.[188]

2017–18 season[edit]

On 20 September 2017, Benzema signed a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2021.[189] Later on 6 March of the following year, Benzema made his 100th UEFA Champions League appearance by playing in the 2–1 win at Parc des Princes against Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of 2017–18 UEFA Champions League round of 16 as Real Madrid progressed to the next round 5–2 on aggregate.[190][191] Benzema played his 400th match in all competitions for Real Madrid on 31 March in the 3–0 win at Las Palmas, captaining the team and netting the second goal with a penalty.[192]

On 26 May 2018, Benzema scored the first goal of the match in 2018 UEFA Champions League Final by intercepting Loris Karius's throw in a 3–1 victory over Liverpool, when Madrid won their third consecutive and 13th overall Champions League title.[193][194]

2018–19 season[edit]

On 7 November 2018, Benzema scored a brace in the 5–0 win at Viktoria Plzeň in the UEFA Champions League group stage, reaching the 200th goal milestone with the club.[195] He become only the seventh Real Madrid player to achieve the feat.[196] He totaled three goals in six matches, all of them against Viktoria Plzeň, helping Real Madrid topping Group G.[197] Later on 13 February of the following year, in the first leg of the competition's round of 16, Benzema scored the opener of a 2–1 away win over Ajax,[198] reaching 60 Champions League goals, becoming only the fourth player to do so.[199]

International career[edit]

Youth[edit]

Benzema is a former France youth international having earned caps at all levels for which he was eligible, excluding the under-16 team. He is a member of the group, commonly known in France as the Génération 1987, a youth class that produced current internationals Hatem Ben Arfa, Jérémy Ménez and Samir Nasri, alongside himself.[200] Benzema was the last of the four to make his youth international debut under coach Philippe Bergeroo and officially joined the team ahead of the 2004 UEFA European Under-17 Championship that was played on home soil. In the competition, he appeared in two matches. On his tournament debut, Benzema scored the opening goal in a 3–1 win over Northern Ireland.[201] His lone other appearance in the competition was in a 1–0 group stage win over Spain as France went on to win the tournament defeated the same team in the final.[202][203]

Benzema was a regular starter in the team at under-18 level. He made his debut with the team at a local tournament in the Czech Republic. Benzema scored his first goal at under-18 level in the competition against Poland in the team's final group stage match.[204] In the final against the hosts, he scored the opening goal in a 2–0 win as France were declared champions of the competition.[205] On 30 September 2004, Benzema was one of three goalscorers in France's 3–0 away win over Norway.[206] In the team's next match against Russia, he scored a double in a 3–1 victory.[207] Due to France winning the 2004 U17 European title, the under-18 team was allowed participation in the 2005 Meridian Cup. Benzema was called up to the team for the competition and played in all four matches, scoring a tournament-high five goals as France were crowned champions of the tournament.[208] He opened the tournament by scoring two goals in a 7–0 victory over Cameroon.[209] After going scoreless in the team's next match against Sierra Leone, Benzema responded by scoring a goal in a shutout victory over Nigeria and netting another double in a 4–1 win against Egypt.[210][211] On 19 May 2005, in the team's final match of the season against Slovakia, Benzema scored all four goals in a 4–1 victory.[212] He finished the under-18 campaign with 18 appearances and a team-high 14 goals and was, subsequently, praised by Bergeroo who, following the campaign, declared that Benzema was 'quite efficient'.[213]

The foursome of Benzema, Ben Arfa, Ménez and Nasri returned to international play together for under-19 duty. The four were joined by Issiar Dia, Blaise Matuidi and Serge Gakpé with the objective of winning the 2006 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. The team opened the campaign with two friendly matches against Norway. Over the course of the two matches, Benzema scored one goal, which came in the first match, a 4–0 win.[214] In the first round of qualification for the UEFA-sanctioned tournament, he scored his only goal in the final group match against Austria.[215] France won the match 2–0, which resulted in the team progressing to the Elite Round.[216] In the ensuing round, France were placed in a relatively easy group alongside Scotland, Bulgaria, and Belarus. In the opening group game against Bulgaria, Benzema scored a double converting a penalty and scoring in play as France won 4–0.[217] Both of his goals were scored within a minute of each other.[218] After surprisingly drawing 0–0 with Belarus, France faced Scotland in the final group stage match. Benzema opened the scoring in the 11th minute, but his goal was cancelled out by Steven Fletcher in the second half.[219] The match ultimately finished 1–1 and, despite finishing the round undefeated, France were eliminated after being beaten on points by the Scots.[220]

Benzema made his under-21 debut for Les Espoirs under coach René Girard in the team's first match following the 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championship against Belgium. He started the match and was replaced at half-time by Yoann Gourcuff.[221] He featured in qualification matches for the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship and appeared as a starter and substitute in the first leg and second leg, respectively, of the team's surprising defeat to Israel in the qualifying playoffs.[222][223][224][225] Despite still being eligible to represent the under-21 team until 2009, his appearance in the second leg defeat to Israel was Benzema's last with the team and he finished his under-21 career with five appearances and no goals. Prior to representing France at senior international level, Benzema was courted by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) who sought for the player to represent Algeria at senior international level. In December 2006, the striker was approached by former federation president Hamid Haddadj and then-national team coach Jean-Michel Cavalli, but turned down the invite citing his desire to continue his international career with France.[226] Benzema later told French radio stationRadio Monte Carlo 'Algeria is my parents' country and it is in my heart, but football-wise, I will only play for the French national team'.[227]

Senior[edit]

Euro 2008[edit]

Benzema playing for France in April 2008

Benzema was called up for the first time to the senior national team by Raymond Domenech on 9 November 2006 for the team's friendly match against Greece that would be played on 15 November. Benzema described the call-up as 'a reward', while also stating 'I am pleased, of course, me and my family. A (the senior national team), is the national team's highest honor'.[228] Two days before the match, he was forced to withdraw from the team due to a thigh injury, which he suffered while playing domestically for Lyon.[229] After failing to make the squad for the team's February 2007 match against Argentina, Benzema returned to the team in March for a UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying match against Lithuania and a friendly against Austria.[230] After failing to appear in the qualifier, he made his international debut on 28 March 2007 against Austria. Benzema appeared as a half-time substitute for Djibril Cissé and scored the only goal of the match after a free-kick from Samir Nasri.[231] On 13 October, Benzema scored a double in a 6–0 win against the Faroe Islands.[232] After appearing regularly in the team for the rest of the 2007–08 season, he was named to the 23-man squad to participate in UEFA Euro 2008.

Benzema made his debut in the competition on 9 June 2008 in the team's opening match against Romania. Benzema started the match, but was substituted out for Nasri in the second half after a frustrating performance.[233] The match finished 0–0 and Benzema was, subsequently, criticized by the French media for his performance with newspaper Le Point declaring that Benzema was 'unrecognizable' and that he 'symbolized the impotence of France in the attack'.[234] The newspaper also cited his lack of international experience for his subdued performance. In the team's next group game against the Netherlands, Benzema played no part in the 4–1 defeat.[235] He returned to the team in its final group game against Italy and was given a place in the starting lineup.[236] However, France lost 2–0 and were eliminated from the competition.[237]

In November 2008, Benzema, among several other young players in the team, was accused of being insolent during the team's campaign at the European Championship. The accusation came from international teammate William Gallas who inserted the charge in his autobiography. Though most of Gallas' accusations were directed at Nasri,[238][239][240] during the competition, it was reported by newspaper Le Parisien that several of the national team players described Benzema as 'arrogant' and that the striker was scolded by midfielderClaude Makelele following the team's loss to the Netherlands.[241]

2010 World Cup[edit]

Despite the reports from after Euro 2008, Benzema remained a regular in the team and, ahead of qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, switched to the number ten shirt after previously wearing the number nine.[242] In the team's first match following its elimination from Euro 2008, Benzema scored a goal in a 3–2 friendly win over Sweden in Gothenburg.[243] Two months later, he scored another goal in a 3–1 victory against Tunisia at the Stade de France.[244] On 5 June 2009, Benzema converted the only goal of the match, a penalty shot, in a 1–0 win over Turkey at the Stade de Gerland, his home stadium.[245] He scored his first World Cup qualification goals in victories over the Faroe Islands and Austria in October 2009. His cap against Austria would be his last of the Domenech era as he failed to make France's preliminary 30-man squad for the World Cup. Domenech cited Benzema's struggle for form with his new club Real Madrid, rather than his alleged involvement in a sex scandal as his reason for leaving the striker out.[246] Prior to the list being unveiled, Benzema informed Radio Monte Carlo that if he was not selected he would be 'very disappointed, but not killed' and 'I will support the France team no matter what'.[247]

Euro 2012[edit]

Benzema playing for France at UEFA Euro 2012.

Following the World Cup, Benzema returned to the national team under the reign of new coach Laurent Blanc. Blanc, an admirer of Benzema, sought to build the attack around the striker and, after going almost a year without representing France, Benzema made his return to the team in its 2–1 defeat to Norway in Oslo.[248][249] Alongside Gourcuff, Benzema led the team in scoring in qualifying for UEFA Euro 2012 netting three. He scored his three goals in wins over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luxembourg, and Albania.[250][251][252] On 17 November 2010, Benzema scored the opening goal in France's 2–1 win over England at Wembley Stadium.[253] In the team's next match against Brazil in February 2011, he scored the only goal for France in a 1–0 win.[254] After appearing regularly in qualifying for UEFA Euro 2012, on 29 May 2012, Benzema was named to the squad to participate in the competition.[255] On 5 June, in the team's final warm-up friendly ahead of the European Championship, Benzema scored two goals in a 4–0 shutout win over Estonia.[256] At UEFA Euro 2012, Benzema started the team's opening match against England, which ended in a 1–1 draw.[257] In the team's ensuing group stage match against the Ukraine, he assisted on both team goals in a 2–0 win.[258]

2014 World Cup[edit]

On 11 October 2013, Benzema scored his first goal for the France national team since June 2012 in a friendly against Australia, thus ending a scoring drought for his national team which had lasted 1,222 minutes. In that match played at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, which France won 6–0, Benzema scored France's sixth and final goal in the 50th minute after turning home Franck Ribéry's left-wing cross.[259] In the second leg of the 2014 World Cup qualification play-off against Ukraine held on 19 November 2013 at the Stade de France, Benzema scored France's second goal in the 34th minute to level the aggregate score at 2–2. Benzema scored his goal when he side-footed home after a huge scramble in the Ukrainian penalty box, although he was shown on television replays to be offside by almost one metre when the ball took a final touch off Mathieu Valbuena's chest. Benzema had four minutes earlier been denied a legitimate goal, the offside flag wrongly raised when he turned in Ribéry's low cross into the net with his torso a metre from the Ukrainian goal-line. Ukraine had won the first leg of the play-off 2–0 in Kiev just four days earlier. France would eventually win the second leg 3–0 to advance to the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil with a 3–2 aggregate scoreline.[260]

On 6 June 2014, Benzema was named in France's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, making his debut in the tournament.[261] In the team's first match, a 3–0 win against Honduras in Porto Alegre on 15 June, he scored a goal in each half, the first from a penalty kick. He also assisted the team's second goal when his shot rebounded off the post and was fumbled over the goal-line by Honduran goalkeeper Noel Valladares for an own goal, the first World Cup goal given by goal-line technology.[262] He later added a third goal sealing France's 3–0 victory against Honduras. He was named by FIFA as man of the match for his performance.[263] In the second group fixture, he scored and had a penalty saved in a 5–2 defeat of Switzerland, as Les Bleus all but secured qualification to the knockout stage.[264] France were later knocked out by Germany in the quarter-final stage of the tournament.[265][266][267]

Euro 2016[edit]

On 13 April 2016, French Football Federation announced that Benzema would not be picked for Euro 2016 tournament on home soil.[268] He responded on 1 June 2016 in Marca, in an interview entitled 'Benzema: 'Deschamps folded due to pressure from France's racist element'.[269]

Style of play[edit]

A creative, skillful, quick, agile, and prolific forward, who is good in the air and capable of playing off the shoulders of the last defender,[270][271][272] Benzema has been described as an 'immensely talented striker' who is 'strong and powerful' and 'a potent finisher from inside the box' with either foot, as well as his head, despite being naturally right footed.[5][270] An atypical number 9, although he is usually deployed as a centre forward, and can operate as an out-and-out striker, Benzema is also capable of playing in several other offensive positions, and has been used on the wing, or even behind the main striker as a number 10 or deep-lying forward. In addition to his goalscoring, Benzema is known for his willingness and ability to drop into deeper or wider positions, and either link-up play with midfielders, or use his strength and technical ability to hold up the ball with his back to goal to provide assists for teammates, courtesy of his vision, creativity, passing, and eye for the final ball; because of his playing style, he has been described as a 'nine and a half' in the media.[270][273][274][275][276][277][278][279]

During his time at Real Madrid, Benzema has also been praised for his work-rate and tactical intelligence off the ball, as well as his positional sense and attacking movement as a forward, which often draws opposition defenders out of position, and in turn he created spaces for Cristiano Ronaldo to make attacking runs into the centre of the area from the left wing, which essentially sees him acting as a false 9.[274][275][280][281][282][283]

Personal life[edit]

Karim Benzema was born in the city of Lyon, France to French nationals of Algerian descent.[284][285] As a practicing Muslim, he observes fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.[286] His grandfather, Da Lakehal Benzema, lived in the village of Tigzirt, located in the northern town of Beni Djellil in Algeria before migrating to Lyon, where he eventually settled in the 1950s.[287] Benzema's father, Hafid, was born in Tigzirt, while his mother, Wahida Djebbara, was born and raised in Lyon; her family originated from Oran. Benzema is the third youngest in the family and grew up with eight other siblings in Bron, an eastern suburb of Lyon.[287] His younger brothers Gressy and Sabri are also footballers.[288] The former currently plies his trade at the amateur level with Vaulx-le-Velin in the Division d'Honneur, the sixth division of French football, while the latter plays in the youth academy of a club in the family's hometown of Bron.[289][290]

On 3 February 2014, his daughter Mélia was born.[291] On 5 May 2017, his son Ibrahim was born.[292]

He is criticized many times by The English former player Gary Lineker on Twitter in 2017 for his performance and his goal-scoring record.[293][294]

Controversies and legal issues[edit]

On 6 December 2006, he told RMC about his possible selection for the Algerian team: 'It's my parents' country, it's in my heart. But good after sporting, it's true that I will play in French team. I will be always present for the French team. Then it's more for the sporting side, because Algeria is my country, here, my parents come from there. After, France ... It's more sporty, that's it.'[295] Benzema drew some criticism for these comments, as well as for his reluctance to sing the French national anthem, 'La Marseillaise', before each match with the national team.[296][297]

On 18 April 2010, it was first reported by French television channel M6 that four members of the French national team were being investigated for their roles as clients in a prostitute ring operated inside of a Paris nightclub, with some of the women possibly being underage or transgender. The players were eventually revealed to be Franck Ribéry, Sidney Govou, Hatem Ben Arfa and Benzema.[298][299] Benzema was alleged to have had a sexual rendezvous with a prostitute when she was 16 years of age, an act Benzema denied through his lawyer.[300] On 20 July, Benzema was questioned by Paris police and indicted on the charge of 'solicitation of a minor prostitute'.[301][302] In November 2011, prosecutors asked for the cases against Ribéry and Benzema to be dropped, saying that the players were not aware that the escort, identified as Zahia Dehar, was 16 years old.[303] However, the case has gone on to trial. The first hearing was held in June 2013.[304] In January 2014, the judge in the case dropped the charges against both Ribery and Benzema saying there was lack of sufficient evidence that the pair knew the prostitutes were underaged.[305]

On 4 November 2015, Benzema was arrested by French police for his alleged part in blackmailing fellow France international player Mathieu Valbuena.[306] During the investigation over the blackmail plot, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls stated, 'A great athlete should be exemplary. If he is not, he has no place in the France team. There are so many kids, so many youngsters in our suburbs that relate to great athletes. They wear the blue jersey, the colours of France, which are so important in these moments.'[307][308] On 10 December 2015, the president of the FFF Noël Le Graët announced the provisional suspension of the striker from French team until new development of the affair.[309] On 17 February 2016, the judicial review was lifted by the investigating judge who allowed Karim Benzema to get in touch again with Mathieu Valbuena. On 11 July 2017, the Court of Cassation issued a judgment in which it invalidated a decision of the Court of Appeal of Versailles, which had validated the procedure by which Benzema had been indicted for complicity of attempted blackmail.[310]

Career statistics[edit]

Club[edit]

As of 19 May 2019[311]
ClubSeasonLeagueCup1EuropeOther2Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Lyon B2004–051110–––1110
2005–0695–––95
Total2015–––2015
Lyon2004–05600000–60
2005–061312211–164
2006–072153132–278
2007–0836209774–5231
2008–0936173185–4723
Total1124317111912–14866
Real Madrid2009–102781051–339
2010–1133157586–4826
2011–12342153117215232
2012–13301184105205020
2013–14351762115–5224
2014–1529153096514622
2015–1627240094–3628
2016–17291131135324819
2017–183251195514712
2018–1936216484315330
Total31214840209348206465222
Career total444206573111260206633303

1Includes Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophée des Champions and Copa del Rey

2Includes Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup

International[edit]

As of 8 October 2015[312]
National teamYearAppsGoals
France200783
2008112
200983
201053
2011102
2012122
2013102
2014138
201542
Total8127

Honours[edit]

Lyon[313]

  • Ligue 1: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08
  • Coupe de France: 2007–08
  • Trophée des Champions: 2006, 2007

Real Madrid[313]

  • La Liga: 2011–12, 2016–17
  • Copa del Rey: 2010–11, 2013–14
  • Supercopa de España: 2012, 2017
  • UEFA Champions League: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18
  • UEFA Super Cup: 2014, 2016, 2017
  • FIFA Club World Cup: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018

France U17[268]

  • UEFA European Under-17 Championship: 2004

Individual

  • Bravo Award: 2008[314]
  • Ligue 1 Top Goalscorer: 2007–08[315]
  • UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Month: January 2008, April 2008
  • UNFPLigue 1Player of the Year: 2007–08[316][317]
  • UNFPLigue 1Team of the Year: 2007–08[317]
  • Étoile d'Or: 2007–08[318]
  • FIFA FIFPro World XI Nominee: 2009,[319] 2011,[320] 2012[321]
  • FIFA FIFPro World XI 3rd team: 2015, 2017[322][323]
  • FIFA FIFPro World XI 4th team: 2014, 2016[324][325]
  • FIFA FIFPro World XI 5th team: 2018[326]
  • UEFA Champions League top assist provider: 2011–12[327]
  • La Liga Player of the Month: October 2014
  • French Player of the Year: 2011, 2012, 2014[318]
  • Fastest goal in an El Clásico on 10 December 2011 (21 seconds)[328]
  • Trophées UNFP for Best French Player playing Abroad: 2019[329]

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  313. ^ ab'K. Benzema'. Soccerway. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
  314. ^José Luis Pierrend (8 January 2015). 'The 'Bravo' Award'. RSSSF. Retrieved 20 November 2015.
  315. ^Tom Pilcher (1 July 2009). 'FACTBOX-Soccer-Real Madrid signing Karim Benzema'. Reuters. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
  316. ^'Hotshot Benzema wins award'. Eurosport. 12 May 2008. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
  317. ^ abErik Garin (20 February 2009). 'France – Les Oscars du Football'. RSSSF. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
  318. ^ abGarin, Erik; Pierrend, José Luis (8 January 2015). 'France – Footballer of the Year'. Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 13 January 2016.
  319. ^'55 players on shortlist FIFA/FIFPro WORLD XI'. FIFPro.org. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
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  322. ^'2015 World XI: the Reserve Teams – FIFPro World Players' Union'. FIFPro.org. 11 January 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  323. ^'2016–2017 World 11: the Reserve Teams – FIFPro World Players' Union'. FIFPro.org. 23 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
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  325. ^'2016 World 11: the reserve teams – FIFPro World Players' Union'. FIFPro.org. 9 January 2017. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
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External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Karim Benzema.
  • Karim Benzema at the French Football Federation(in French)
  • Official website(in French)
  • Karim Benzema at Soccerway
  • Karim Benzema – FIFA competition record
  • Karim Benzema – UEFA competition record
  • Karim Benzema – French league stats at LFP
  • Karim Benzema at L'Équipe Football (in French)
  • Karim Benzema at Soccerbase
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Karim_Benzema&oldid=909386411'

The history of the India national football team dates back to the 1920s. They have never played in the World Cup, although they qualified for one in 1950. They have had no entries in the tournament from 1950 onwards. India have never won the final of the Asian Championship but managed their best ever finish by making it to the final in the 1964 AFC Asian Cup.[1] They have only made three appearances since then

  • 52011
  • 6Kit history

Early years[edit]

The first known official international tour of the Indian team which at that time consisted of both Indian and British players was in 1924, when it was led by legendary Indian footballer Gostha Paul.[2]Football teams consisting of entirely Indian players started to tour Australia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand during the late 1930s.[3] The first international match India played before independence is yet to be verified, but the very trace of it can be found in the match India played overseas against Ceylon in 1933. It was India's second international tour, where Gostha Paul led his side to victory by 1–0 score.[2][4][5] On 4 July 1936 India played against visiting Chinese team, which was held at Calcutta. The match was a draw of 1–1.[6] After the success of several Indian football clubs abroad, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) was formed in 1937.

Indian(in white) and all European(in black) team together before 1st July 1938 Calcutta match.

In July 1938, Indian team led by K. Bhattacharya, played a international charity match against a visiting all European team at Calcutta, where the European side won by a solitary goal.[6] In the same year, India made a long official tour on invitation by Australian Football Association, from August to October where they played 17 matches against many states, districts, club teams and 5 friendly matches against the Australian national side too.[7][8][9] The Indian side was managed by Pankaj Gupta and led by K Bhattacharya and the team was considered as an attacking side, consisted of A Rahim, Pram Lal, R Leemsder,Jumma Khan, C Robello, B Sen, Lumsden, Noor Mohammed, A Nandi, K Prosad, who was dubbed as 'Mickey the mouse' by the Australian media for his skills and electric speed at the right wing and the goal was kept by K.Dutt.[7][8] After playing some matches against state and district teams, on 3 September at Sydney, India played the first friendly match against Australia and got defeated by 5–3 and the match is considered as India's first FIFA-recognised match.[9] Second match was at Brisbane, where the Indians fought back for a draw of 4–4. In the third match at Newcastle, on 17 September India registered their first win by a margin of 4–1. But the Australians defeated India in the next two matches held at Sydney and Melbourne with a score line of 5–4 and 3–1 respectively. At the Sydney match on 24 September, Indian striker Lumsden scored the first hat-trick for India against the Australian side which includes a penalty kick.[8]

Indian team at 1948 Olympics, T. Ao at the centre of first row, goal scorer S. Raman next to Ao and coach Balaidas Chatterjee to the extreme right.

On their way to 1948 London Olympics, Chinese team again visited India, where they played Mohammedan SC, East Bengal, and Mohun Bagan then finally on 17 July 1948, a friendly match held at Kolkata, where they were defeated by the Indian national side by a score of 1–0.[10] The 1948 London Olympics was India's first major international tournament, where a predominately barefooted Indian team lost 2–1 to France, failing to convert two penalties. The Indian team was greeted and appreciated by the crowd for their sporting manner. 'The French had been given a run for their money – and that, too, by the barefooted Indians!', the British media expressed.[3] At a press conference, shortly after, the Indians were asked why they played barefooted. The ever witty then Indian captain Talimeren Ao said, 'Well, you see, we play football in India, whereas you play BOOTBALL!' which was applauded by the British. The next day, that comment was splashed in the newspapers of London.[3][11]

Indian team practising at Richmond park, London in barefoot as the weather was dry

The decision of wearing shoes had to make and the Indians finally settled on wearing shoes if the conditions were wet (rainy) and if they had to play on soft grounds and when the conditions were dry,[12] most players opted to play without shoes and instead wore bandages to protect their feet though fine weather, out of 11 players who took the field eight players were bootless and three were in boots.[13]Sarangapani Raman scored the only goal for India in that match and thus the first Indian international goal ever in the Olympics.

While the 1-2 loss to France and first round elimination was a huge disappointment to the team and the public alike, the quality of football that the team displayed had captivated one and all. Indian footballers’ bravery and brilliance in bare feet at the 1948 Olympics earned them no less a fan than Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II.[14][15][16] So much so that King George VI invited the team to Buckingham Palace and there, as the story goes, he lifted up Sailen Manna's trouser leg, telling him it was just to check if the Indian really had legs of steel as would appear from the strength of his shots![13][12][15] But there was football still to be played. Encouraged by the accolades and the positive reception to India's football, the AIFF decided to extend the tour with some friendlies across Europe. Over the next several weeks the team would play some matches that would only enhance its growing reputation.[13][17][12]

In the Netherlands India lost 1-2 against Sparta Rotterdam but stunned Ajax Amsterdam led by legendary Rinus Michels by 5-1, two days later. Back in England and Wales, it put together a string of victories over several teams including Boldmere St. Michaels F.C., which it met on a muddy pitch at Church Road Ground on August 31, 1948, a day with heavy rainfall.[13][17][12] The Indian team was forced to wear boots and a lone goal from B.N. Vajravelu handed India a 1−0 win, with this ended the Europe tour of 1948, a great summer for Indian football history.[17]

1950s to 1960s[edit]

In 1950, India managed to qualify for the 1950 FIFA World Cup finals, which was scheduled to take place in Brazil; where it was drawn with Sweden, Italy, and Paraguay.[18] This was not due to any success on the pitch, but due to the fact that all their opponents during the qualifying round, withdrew from the pre-tournament qualifiers.[18] However, India themselves withdrew from the World Cup finals before the tournament was to begin. The All India Football Federation gave various reasons for the team's withdrawal, including travel costs, lack of practice time, and valuing the Olympics above the World Cup.[18]

Despite the reason given out from the AIFF, many football historians and pundits have repeated the tale that India withdrew from the World Cup due to FIFA imposing a rule banning players from playing barefoot.[19][20] However, according to the then captain of India, Sailen Manna, the story of the team not being allowed to play due to wanting to play barefoot was not true.[18] Since then, India has not come close to qualifying for another World Cup.[21]

Despite not participating in the World Cup in 1950, the following years after, from 1951 to 1964, are usually considered to be the 'golden era' of Indian football. India, coached by Hyderabad City Police head coach Syed Abdul Rahim, became one of the best teams in Asia.[22] In March 1951, Rahim lead India to their first ever triumph during the 1951 Asian Games. Hosted in India, the team defeated Iran 1–0 in the gold medal match to gain their first trophy.[23]Sahu Mewalal scored the winning goal for India in that match.[23] The next year India went back to the Olympics but were once again defeated in the first round, this time by Yugoslavia and by a score of 10–1.[24] Upon returning to India, the AIFF made it mandatory for footballers to wear boots.[3] After taking the defeat in Finland, India participated in various minor tournaments, such as the Colombo Cup, which they won three times from 1953 to 1955.[25]

Indian team at a melee against Bulgaria at 1956 Olympics.

In 1954, India returned to the Asian Games as defending champions in Manila. Despite their achievement three years prior, India were unable to go past the group stage as the team finished second in Group C during the tournament, two points behind Indonesia.[26] Two years later, during the 1956 Summer Olympics, India went on to achieve the team's greatest result in a competitive tournament. The team finished in fourth place during the Summer Olympics football tournament, losing the bronze-medal match to Bulgaria 3–0.[27] The tournament is also known for Neville D'Souza's hat-trick against Australia in the quarterfinals. D'Souza's hat-trick was the first hat-trick scored by an Asian in Olympic history and he was the highest goal scorer in that edition of the games along with Todor Veselinović of Yugoslavia and Dimitar Milanov of Bulgaria, 4 goals scored by each.[27]

After their good performance during the Summer Olympics, India participated in the 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo. The team once again finished fourth, losing the bronze-medal match to Indonesia 4–1.[28] The next year the team traveled to Malaysia where they took part in the Merdeka Cup and finished as the tournament runners-up.[29]

India began the 1960s with 1960 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Despite the qualifiers for the West Zone being held in Kochi, India finished last in their qualification group and thus failed to qualify for the tournament.[30] Despite the set-back, India went on to win the gold medal during the Asian Games for the second time in 1962. The team defeated South Korea 2–1 to win their second major championship.[31]

To qualify for the 1960 Summer Olympics, India took part in the qualification round where in the first round, they defeated Afghanistan in the 1st leg by 5–2, and withdrew from the 2nd, India proceeded to the second round where they defeated Indonesia in both legs by 4–2 & 2–0, they qualified for 1960 Summer Olympics which is their last till now. At that edition, India again failed to proceed from the first round, where they saw two defeats of 2–1 & 3–1 by Hungary, Peru and a draw against France of 1–1.

Two years later, following their Asian Games triumph, India participated in the 1964 AFC Asian Cup after all the other teams in their qualification group withdrew. This was India's first Asian Cup appearance. Despite their automatic entry into the continental tournament, India managed to finish as the runners-up during the tournament, losing out to the hosts, Israel, by two points. This remains India's best performance in the AFC Asian Cup.[32] India returned to the Asian Games in 1966. Despite their performance two years prior during the AFC Asian Cup, India could not go beyond the group stage as the team finished third, behind Japan and Iran.[33]

1971–2000[edit]

Four years later to 1966 Asian Games, India participated at the 1970 Asian Games, where they came back and took third place during the tournament. The team defeated Japan 1–0 during the bronze-medal match.[34]

In 1974, India's performance in the Asian Games once again sharply declined as they finished the 1974 edition in last place in their group, losing all three matches, scoring two, and conceding 14 goals in the first round.[35] India then showed steady improvement during the 1978 tournament, finishing second in their group of three. The team were then knocked-out in the next round, finishing last in their group with three defeats from three matches.[36] The 1982 tournament proved to be better for India as the side managed to qualify for the quarter-finals before losing to Saudi Arabia 1–0.[37]

In 1984, India managed to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time since their second place triumph in 1964. During the 1984 tournament, India finished in last place in their five team group in the first round.[38] India's only non-defeat during the tournament came against Iran, a 0–0 draw.[38]

Despite India's decline from a major football power in Asia, the team still managed to assert its dominance as the top team in South Asia. India managed to win the football competition of the South Asian Games in 1985 and then again won the gold medal in 1987.[39] The team then began the 1990s by winning the inaugural SAFF Championship in 1993.[40] The team ended the 20th century by winning the SAFF Championship again in 1997 and 1999.[40]

2000–2010[edit]

2007 Nehru Cup final, India vs Syria at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi

India's first competitive matches of the 21st century were the 2002 FIFA World Cup first round qualifiers. Despite a very bright start, defeating the United Arab Emirates 1–0, drawing Yemen 1–1, as well as two victories over Brunei, including a 5–0 victory in Bangalore, India finished a point away from qualification for the next round.[41] In 2003, India took part in the 2003 SAFF Championship. The team qualified for the semi-finals but fell to Bangladesh 2–1.[42]

Later in 2003, India participated in the Afro-Asian Games being held in Hyderabad. Under the coaching of Stephen Constantine, India managed to make it to the final of the tournament after defeating Zimbabwe, a team ranked 85 places above India in the FIFA rankings at the time, 5–3.[43] Despite the major victory, during the gold-medal match India were defeated 1–0 by Uzbekistan U21.[44] Due to this achievement, Constantine was voted as the Asian Football Confederation's Manager of the Month for October 2003. The tournament result also gave India more recognition around the country and around the world.[43]

Sunil Chhetri celebrating after scoring during the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup.
India celebrating after winning the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup.

Constantine was replaced by Syed Nayeemuddin in 2005 but the Indian head coach only lasted for a little over a year as India suffered many heavy defeats during the 2007 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.[45] During this time India were defeated 6–0 by Japan, 3–0 by Saudi Arabia and Yemen respectively at home, and 7–1 away in Jeddah.[46] Former Malmö and China coach Bob Houghton was brought in as head coach in May 2006.[47]

Under Houghton, India witnessed massive improvement in their football standing. In August 2007, Houghton won the country the restarted Nehru Cup after India defeated Syria 1–0 in the final.[48]Pappachen Pradeep scored the winning goal for India that match. The next year, Houghton lead India during the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, which was hosted in Hyderabad and Delhi. During the tournament, India breezed through the group stage before defeating Myanmar in the semi-finals. In the final against Tajikistan, India, through a Sunil Chhetri hat-trick, won the match 4–1. The victory not only earned India the championship but it also allowed India to qualify for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, the nation's first Asian Cup appearance in 27 years.[49] In order to prepare for the Asian Cup, Houghton had the team stay together as a squad for eight months from June 2010 till the start of the tournament, meaning the players would not play for their clubs.[50]

India were drawn into Group C for the Asian Cup with Australia, South Korea, and Bahrain.[51] Despite staying together as a team for eight months, India lost all three of their matches during the Asian Cup, including a 4–0 defeat to Australia.[52] Despite the results, India were still praised by fans and pundits for their valiant efforts during the tournament.[52]

2011[edit]

AFC Asian Cup[edit]

In 2011, India started off their campaign by participating in 2011 AFC Asian Cup for which they qualified after 24 years. They were placed in strong Group C along with South Korea, Australia and Bahrain.[53] India lost all three matches but did manage to perform well in patches. Goalkeeper Subrata Pal won a lot of accolades for his performances.[54]

TeamPldWDLGFGAGDPts
Australia321061+57
South Korea321073+47
Bahrain310265+13
India3003313−100
10 January 2011India0 – 4AustraliaJassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha
16:15Cahill11', 65'
Kewell24'
Holman45+1'		Attendance: 11,749
Referee: Ali Al Badwawi (UAE)
14 January 2011Bahrain5 – 2IndiaJassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha
19:15Aaish8' (pen.)
Abdullatif16', 19', 36', 77'		Gouramangi9'
Chhetri52'		Attendance: 11,032
Referee: Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh (Malaysia)
18 January 2011South Korea4 – 1IndiaAl Gharafa Stadium, Doha
16:15Ji Dong-Won6'
Koo Ja-Cheol9'
Ji Dong-Won23'
Son Heung-Min81'		Chhetri12' (pen.)Attendance: 11,366
Referee: Khalil Al Ghamdi (Saudi Arabia)

After 2011 Asia Cup[edit]

After participating the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, India's quest to qualify for the 2015 edition of the tournament began in February 2011 with AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers. Bob Houghton decided to change the makeup of the India squad, replacing many of the aging players from the Asian Cup with some young players from the AIFF development side in the I-League, Indian Arrows.[55] Even with a young side, India managed to qualify for the AFC Challenge Cup with ease.[56] Despite the good result though with a young side, the AIFF decided to terminate the contract of Bob Houghton.[57]India played its first match in 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualification on March 21 winning 3–0 against Chinese Taipei, with Jewel Raja Shaikh, Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua scoring the goals. On March 23 they faced Pakistan. India came from behind and defeated Pakistan 3–1 with Jeje Lalpekhlua scoring 2 goals and Steven Dias scoring one. On March 25 they faced Turkmenistan in their last 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualifying game and. India drew the game 1–1. The result meant that they finished on top of Group B and qualified for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup.[58] After having Dempo coach, Armando Colaco, as interim head coach, the AIFF signed Savio Medeira as head coach in October 2011.[59] Despite leading India to another SAFF Championship victory, Medeira lead India to their worst performance in the AFC Challenge Cup in March 2012. The team lost all three of their group matches, unable to score a single goal during the tournament.[60] After the tournament, Medeira was replaced as head coach by Dutchman, Wim Koevermans.[61] Koeverman's first job as head coach was the 2012 Nehru Cup. India won their third successive Nehru Cup, defeating Cameroon side on penalties.[62]By March 2015, after not playing any matches, India reached their lowest FIFA ranking position of 173.[63] A couple months prior, Stephen Constantine was re-hired as the head coach after first leading India more than a decade before.[64] Constantine's first major assignment back as the India head coach were the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. After making it through the first round of qualifiers, India crashed out during the second round, losing seven of their eight matches and thus, once again, failed to qualify for the World Cup.[65]

India against Thailand at 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Despite failure to qualify for the World Cup, India managed to reach the third round of 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers after defeating Laos in the play-off round on aggregate 7–1.[66] On 11 October 2017, India secured qualification for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup after a 4–1 victory over Macau.[67]

Though defeated at 2018 SAFF Championship final by 1–2 to Maldives in September 2018,[68] India regained the momentum with some friendlies against China, Jordan and Oman as they began the 2019 AFC Asian Cup with a 4–1 victory against Thailand and is the biggest ever Asia cup win for the team and its first one in 55 years.[69][70] Nevertheless, they lost both of their next two group matches against UAE and Bahrain by 0−2 and 0−1 respectively[71][72] and finished at the bottom of the group, thus failed to move to knock out stage.[73]Stephen Constantine immediately resigned from his position as head coach following the failure to progress further in the tournament [74].

6 JanuaryAsian Cup G.S.Thailand1–4IndiaAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
19:00 ISTDangda33'Chhetri27' (pen.), 46'
Thapa68'
Lalpekhlua80'		Stadium: Al Nahyan Stadium
Attendance: 3,250
Referee: Liu Kwok Man (Hong Kong)
10 JanuaryAsian Cup G.S.India0–2United Arab EmiratesAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
21:30 ISTKhalf. Mubarak41'
Mabkhout88'		Stadium: Zayed Sports City Stadium
Attendance: 43,206
Referee: César Arturo Ramos (Mexico)
14 JanuaryAsian Cup G.S.India0–1BahrainAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
21:30 ISTRashid90+1' (pen.)Stadium: Sharjah Stadium
Attendance: 11,417
Referee: Ilgiz Tantashev (Uzbekistan)

Kit history[edit]

India in 2007, wearing their traditional blue jersey.

The India national team plays in blue, the colour of the Ashoka Chakra on the Indian flag.[75] The other colours on the flag, saffron, white, and India green, were deemed too controversial to be used as the main colour, as jerseys with saffron and green are often used by neighbouring countries.[75] Blue as the national colour for India was soon made more prominent due to the success of the India cricket team and field hockey teams. The football team, however, has used some sort of shade of blue for decades.[76]

The national team kits and uniforms have evolved as the game has over the years and in recent times new technologies have been utilised to improve the kits and uniforms. At the turn of the 21st century, India wore a sky blue shirt with black pants and sky blue socks as their kit.[76] In 2002, the All India Football Federation signed a deal with German manufacturer Adidas to produce the India kit.[77] The first kit made by Adidas was all-white.[77] After four years with Adidas, the AIFF signed an agreement with American company Nike on 27 February 2006.[78] The deal was for seven years.[78] Nike's first kits for India were in darker blue while the away kit was changed from white to orange.[79] For the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, in which India were participating, Nike designed India's kit using the same template it used for other national teams such as Brazil.[80] In January 2013. it was announced that the AIFF's deal with Nike was extended for an extra five years.[81] Nike made a simplistic kit in 2006 with a light blue shirt with a little shade of white on the shirt and white short. The 2009-10 Nike kit was a throwback to the 2006-07 kit but the blue colour got a bit darker and they experimented with horizontal stripes for the first time in 2013.[79] In September 2017, prior to the India U17 side's participation in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Nike unveiled an all sky blue kit for the India senior and youth teams.[82] Inspired by the history and heritage of the Blue Tigers, India’s latest Nike national team kit features a new shade of blue and an orange stripe that runs the length of the jersey and shorts. That stripe expands when a player is in motion to maximize ventilation, complementing Nike’s proprietary Dri-FIT technology that helps draw sweat away from the body. These features allow players to perform at their best by remaining cool, dry and more comfortable.

A year later, on 17 December 2018, it was announced that Indian manufacturer Six5Six would replace Nike as India's kit maker.[83] In becoming India's new kit makers, Six5Six also became the first manufacturer to pay for the rights to produce India kits, after both Nike and Adidas didn't pay.[83] Six5Six unveiled their first jersey for the team before the 2019 AFC Asian Cup,[84] with the home colour had a similar sky blue shade and the away colour was changed to white from orange but both the jerseys had unique design embellished on the sleeves representing tiger stripes to pay homage to the Indian football fans, who affectionately calls the team 'Blue Tigers', where as the goalkeeper's jersey replaced the light green to orange colour with the same sleeves design.[85]

Kit sponsorship[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to India national football team kits.
Kit supplierPeriod
Adidas2002–2005
Nike2006–2018
Six5Six2019–2023

First Kit[edit]

Second Kit[edit]

Notable players[edit]

'So you are Gostha Pal! The man they call Great Wall of China! Indeed you are Great Wall of China!'

— Nobel Laurate Rabindranath Tagore remarked on seeing Pal when he visited Shantiniketan[5]

In the early 19th century when the Indian football was taking shape, India produced one of the best footballers from Asia at that time, Gostha Pal, who started playing professional football at the age of 16 in 1911 and was the first captain of Indian team. He was a skilled, tactful and composed defender of his time and considered as the best defender India had ever produced. He was the first footballer to be awarded Padma Shree in the year 1962[86] and in 1998 Government of India introduced postal stamp to honour the legend.[2][4][5]

In the later 1930s, India came out to be one of the strongest attacking teams from Asia, evidenced during their winter tour of Australia in 1938, where the attacking Indian side including Lumsden, Noor Mohammed, Rahim, K.Prosad, A Nandi under the leadership of K.Bhattacharya stormed the New South Wales coast with a total of 58 goals in 17 matches, which includes five international friendlies against Australia, where Lumsden scored three hat-tricks, one being against the Australian side, thus scoring the first international hat-trick for India.[7][8]

Talimeren Ao, the first captain of Indian team in independent India was the pioneer of Indian football. His skills in football was glorified as his name which means 'a lot of glory'[87] and his legacy is one of the reason for North-east India to be one of the power house of Indian football. At a very young age, dribbling improvised balls made out of rags, cane-strips or pomelos as a real football was hard to come by, gradually improved his skills as defensive midfielder which was frustrating for opponent team strikers. He was asked to join the national colour and was unanimously given the responsibility of leading the team at 1948 Olympics, India's first major tournament since independence[88][87] and also was the flag bearer of Indian contingents at London.[89]Sarangapani Raman scored the only goal for India at 1948 games which was India's first goal at Olympics.[13] Government of India introduced postal stamp to honour the legend in 2018.[90]

'He was a great defender, with one of the best tackles in business. His man-marking was perfect and it was a tough task for any striker to go past him.'Manna da never retaliated and remained a perfect gentleman. He was never booked during his very long career!'

—former Indian captains S. S. Narayan & Samar Banerjee remarked on Manna's flawless career.[91]

Walking on Ao's foot steps, it was Sailen Manna who came out as one of the best defender for the team, and was given the team's captaincy in 1951 at Asian Games and led the team to win gold medal, thus started the Indian golden period in football. He later led the team to three Quadrangular Cup from 1952-1954[92][93] and also captained at the 1952 Olympics and 1954 Asian Games.[94] In 1953, England Football Association rated Manna among 10 Best Skippers of the World in its yearbook.,[95] awarded Padma Shri by Government of India in 1971[86] and AIFF honoured him as 'AIFF Player-of-the-Milennium' in 2000.[94]

In the 1950s and 60s, excellent strikers like Sheoo Mewalal, Neville D'Souza, Chuni Goswami and Tulsidas Balaram played for the national team. Mewalal was known for his fitness and bicycle kicks, who played as striker in the 1948 Olympics, 1952 Olympics and 1951 Asian games where he became highest goal scorer with four goals to help India to win gold.[96][97] Mewalal became the first Indian to score a hat-trick since independence when he scored it against Burma at 1952 Colombo Cup[98] where as D'Souza is the first Asian player to score a hat-trick in an Olympic Games,[99] scoring a hat-trick against Australia at 1956 Olympics[100] and also was the joint-highest-goal-scorer in that edition of the Games which helped India to reach the semi-final, the best ever India's performance at the Olympics.[101]

'So I see Chuni again. You seem to have become a permanent feature of the final'

— Then POIS.Radhakrishnan remarked on seeing Chuni again in a final match.[102]

Chuni Goswami is multi-sports athlete who played both football and cricket. His balance, dribbling skills, ball control and passing made him a complete striker.[103] He represented the country at 1958 Asian Games and captained at 1962 Asian Games to win gold, 1960 Olympics and also captained at the 1964 Asian Cup where they mined silver.[102] He was one of greatest players in Indian football history and was bestowed with Padma Shri by Government of India and AFC honoured him as Best Striker of Asia in 1962.[104]

P.K.Banerjee, a refined winger who represented the Indian team at 1956 Olympics and later captained 1960 Olympics, was named as the 'Indian Player of the 20th Century '[105] by IFFHS along with Peter Thangaraj as the 'Indian Keeper of the 20th Century '[105] who also represented the Indian team in the same edition of Olympics. Banerjee along with Thangaraj also represented India at the 1958, 1962 and 1966 Asian games and at the 1962 edition they won the gold where in the final he scored one of the two winning goals. P.K.Banerjee was honoured with 'World Fair Play Award' by CIPF in the year 1989,[106]Padma Shri by Government of India in 1990 and in 2004 FIFA bestowed Banerjee with 'FIFA Centennial Order of Merit' Award, the highest honour awarded by FIFA[107][108]

Since 1970s to 2000 Indian team failed to grow at the same pace as in the 1950s and 1960s. But players like Syed Nayeemuddin had a few stints like winning bronze at 1970 Asian Games.[109] He went on to coach the national team several times between 1986−2006.[110] In the 1990s, the best player to emerge was I. M. Vijayan, who was known for his quick movements and skills. He played a long career with 66 international matches for India where he scored 29 goals and captained the India side at several occasions.[111]

In the mid-1990s, Baichung Bhutia debuted, who played for the team during a period when its FIFA ranking dipped from 100 during his debut to 160 when he retired.[112] But he successfully led the team to qualify to AFC Asian Cup after a drought of 27 years.[113] He was the captain of the team for over ten years during its low point and under his captaincy, India won the SAFF Championship three times, two Nehru Cup in year 2007 and 2009 and the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008.[114][115][116] Considered as one of the greatest footballers of India he is second-most capped player of India with 82 caps and scored 27 times for India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2008.[86]

The most famous footballer of the present era is Sunil Chettri, Captain Fantastic as his followers call him. He is the only footballer in India's history who played 100 international matches for India and is the all-time highest goal-scorer of India. He has led the national team to many victories, most importantly qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup and under his leadership the team achieved its highest FIFA ranking of 96 after twenty years. His goal-scoring ability and skills make him the only India striker to score three hat-tricks for India.

  • Noor Mohammed
  • K Prosad
  • A Nandi

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External links[edit]

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