The first Indian woman to sign a professional contract in Europe, Bala Devi, now has a chance to play in the top tier of Women’s football in Spain.
Devi now has an offer from Cordoba CF, a second-division club in Spain. She has spent three weeks in the country on a trial and is confident of securing a new deal. But, she hasn’t accepted the offer from Cordoba as of yet.
Bala Devi could become first Indian woman to play in Spain
In 2020, she signed a professional contract with Scottish champions Rangers. But, Bala Devi had to deal with an ACL injury while in Scotland which hindered her progress. It also denied her the opportunity to play for India, and she hasn’t played for the national team since 2019.
Interestingly, there was an offer for her to trial in Spain in 2015. But due to financial difficulties, she was unable to travel and sustain herself in Europe. Now, with the help of several grants and sponsorships, she has made her way to the country and is confident of taking a huge next step.
The 32-year-old was joined by Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, who trialled for Malaga. It now remains to be seen whether the two can establish themselves in Spain and write a new chapter for the success of women in Indian football.
