In 2017, India witnessed a historic moment as its U-17 football team made its debut in a FIFA World Cup, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s footballing journey. This opportunity arose because India was the host country, granting automatic qualification.
While the Indian team didn’t progress beyond the group stage, the tournament offered a glimpse of the country’s budding football talent. As Indian football faces another setback in its World Cup aspirations, we take a look back at the players from that landmark squad and chart their progress in the subsequent years.
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Goalkeepers: From Glove Wars to Golden Gloves
Dheeraj Singh (GK)
Dheeraj Singh emerged as a standout performer during the U-17 World Cup, showcasing remarkable agility and shot-stopping skills despite his relatively short stature. Post-tournament, he encountered challenges transitioning into senior football with Kerala Blasters and Mohun Bagan. However, since joining FC Goa in 2021, Dheeraj has found consistency and regular playing time, solidifying his position as a reliable goalkeeper.
Prabhsukhan Gill (GK)
Initially the second-choice goalkeeper, Prabhsukhan Gill has turned his career around dramatically. He won the Golden Glove in the 2021-22 Indian Super League (ISL) season and set a record for clean sheets with Kerala Blasters. Gill’s consistent performances earned him a lucrative move to East Bengal, where he continues to impress.
Sunny Dhaliwal (GK)
Standing tall at 6’7″, Sunny Dhaliwal was a relatively unknown entity before the World Cup and remains so to this day. Residing in Canada, Sunny pursued his education at Chicago State University while playing at the NCAA Level 1, but has not made notable strides in professional football.
Defenders: Building Fortresses
Boris Thangjam (RB)
Boris Thangjam has been a consistent presence in Indian football, playing in the I-League for Indian Arrows before moving to the ISL with Jamshedpur FC and FC Goa. Despite his steady club career, Boris is yet to break into the senior national team.
Jitendra Singh (CB/DM)
Jitendra Singh has shown versatility, playing as a center-back, defensive midfielder, and central midfielder for Jamshedpur FC over five seasons. However, this positional rotation has prevented him from becoming a mainstay in any one role.
Anwar Ali (CB)
Arguably the finest talent from the squad, Anwar Ali has battled significant physical and mental challenges to emerge as a stalwart in Indian football. He now anchors the defense for Mohun Bagan and the national team, showcasing his ambipedal abilities and resilience.
Sanjeev Stalin (RB)
Sanjeev Stalin took an unconventional path by moving to Portugal, playing for Aves and Sertanese’s reserve teams before returning to India. He now plays for Mumbai City FC after a stint with Kerala Blasters, bringing international experience to his game.
Hendry Antonay (DEF)
Despite limited playing time, Hendry Antonay has maintained a presence in the ISL, alternating between Chennaiyin FC and Odisha FC. His career has been marked by sporadic appearances, yet he remains in the professional circuit.
Midfielders: The Engines and Playmakers
Namit Deshpande (MF)
One of the two NRIs in the squad, Namit Deshpande’s professional career has been elusive since 2018, with no records of club affiliations post the World Cup.
Suresh Wangjam (DM/CM)
A key player for Bengaluru FC, Suresh Wangjam was named AIFF Emerging Player of the Year in 2020-21. With 27 caps for India, Suresh remains a crucial component of the national team, recently participating in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Ninthoinganba Meetei (LW/RW)
An MVP at the SAFF U-18 Championship 2019, Ninthoinganba Meetei has represented Northeast United and Chennaiyin FC in the ISL, continuing to develop his skills on the wings.
Amarjit Singh (CM)
The captain of the historic U-17 team, Amarjit Singh has played for multiple ISL clubs, finding his best form with Jamshedpur FC. He currently represents Punjab FC, bringing leadership and experience to the midfield.
Abhijit Sarkar (CM)
Though unable to make a significant impact in the ISL, Abhijit Sarkar has been a steady presence in the I-League, playing for Real Kashmir, Sudeva, and most recently, Mohammedan Sporting.
Jeakson Singh (CM)
Jeakson Singh, who scored India’s first-ever World Cup goal, has thrived at Kerala Blasters, earning 22 caps for India. His versatility and tactical acumen have made him a valuable asset for both club and country.
Forwards: The Attacking Front
Lalengmawia Ralte ‘Apuia’ (LW)
Apuia’s rise has been meteoric; he became the youngest ISL captain at 20 and recently played in the AFC Champions League for Mumbai City FC. His performances have established him as one of India’s top wingers.
Nongdamba Naorem (LW)
A product of the Minerva Academy, Naorem has experienced several loan moves and last played for Jamshedpur FC. His career has been marked by frequent transfers within the ISL.
Mohammed Shahjahan (CM)
Struggling to find consistent playing time, Mohammed Shahjahan has played for various I-League 2 clubs. He continues to seek regular football across local clubs.
Rahim Ali (FW)
Rahim Ali is often mentioned as a potential successor to Sunil Chhetri in the national team. Despite his promise, his goal-scoring record remains a concern. He has been a part of Chennaiyin FC since 2019.
Aniket Jadhav (FW)
Versatile and capable of playing multiple attacking roles, Aniket Jadhav has found regular playing time in the ISL but, like many Indian forwards, struggles with goal-scoring consistency.
Rahul K.P. (RW)
A fan-favorite at Kerala Blasters, Rahul K.P. is known for his pace and skillful play. His exciting style of play and decision-making in the final third have made him a key player for his club.
Komal Thatal (LW)
Known for his flair and golden mohawk, Komal Thatal’s decision to bypass the I-League for the ISL may have stunted his growth. Despite the promise, he has not yet reached his full potential.
The Coach: Guiding Hand
Luis Norton de Matos (Coach)
Portuguese coach Luis Norton de Matos managed India at the U-17 World Cup and later the Indian Arrows in the I-League. He left India in 2018 due to personal reasons and was last associated with FC Tirsense in the Portuguese fourth division.
While the U-17 World Cup squad from 2017 showcased immense potential, their journeys post-tournament have been a mixed bag. Some players have made significant strides in their careers, both domestically and internationally, while others have struggled to find consistent playing time.
India’s record at the U-17 World Cup was 3 games, 0 wins, 3 losses, 1 goal scored, and 9 conceded. This raises several important questions:
- What has gone wrong or right for Indian football since 2017?
- Has the ISL truly benefitted the Indian footballing structure as it should?
- Should youth leagues be emphasized more?
As Indian football continues to evolve, the experiences of these young players highlight the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the nation’s footballing aspirations.
