Indian international Jeje Lalpekhlua has announced his retirement from professional football. The 32-year-old Mizo Sniper enjoyed a prolific career, representing several top-tier Indian clubs and the national team. Lalpekhlua’s clinical finishing ability and unique skillset made him a force to be reckoned with on the field.
Jeje Lalpekhlua Fanai, born on January 7, 1991, is a former Indian football player who last played as a striker with Indian Super League club East Bengal. Jeje had represented India in 56 international matches between 2011 and 2019, scoring 23 goals.
The second-highest Indian goalscorer in Indian Super League history, Jeje won the 2014–15 I-League with Mohun Bagan and the 2015 Indian Super League with Chennaiyin. He also won the 2015–16 FPAI Indian Player of the Year and the AIFF Men’s Player of the Year Award.
Here’s a look back at the Jeje Lalpekhlua’s illustrious career, including his achievements and contributions to Indian football.
- Early Career: Jeje Lalpekhlua began his playing career with the Mizoram U-19 team and impressed in the Wai Wai Cup. At the age of 16, he signed for Pune FC, making his debut in the I-League second division. Lalpekhlua scored 13 goals in 15 games on loan with Pailan Arrows, winning the FPAI Best Young Player award.
- Club Career: Lalpekhlua played for several Indian clubs, including ATK Mohun Bagan, Chennaiyin FC, and East Bengal. He won two Indian Super League titles and the emerging player of the year award in 2015 with Chennaiyin FC. The Mizo Sniper also holds the record for most goals scored for Marina Machans. He was part of the Mohun Bagan squad that won the I-League and Federation Cup in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
- National Team Contributions: Jeje Lalpekhlua made his debut for the Indian national team in 2011 and scored 23 goals in 56 games. He won the SAFF Championship in 2011 and 2015, as well as the Intercontinental Cup in 2017 and 2018. Lalpekhlua’s telepathic understanding with Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri resulted in several important goals for the national team.
- Achievements: Jeje Lalpekhlua’s multiple accolades and contributions to Indian football make him one of the best players to represent India. He was named the AIFF Player of the Year in 2016 and won several domestic and international titles, including the Indian Super League and the Intercontinental Cup.
- Retirement: Jeje Lalpekhlua’s retirement comes after several injuries, which ultimately forced him to call it quits early. His former employers, teammates, and fans have paid tribute to him on social media, expressing their respect and admiration for his unique skillset and contributions to Indian football.
Jeje’s retirement news saddened his fans and followers. He took to Twitter to announce his retirement and wrote, “With a heavy heart, I have decided to retire from my professional football career. It’s been a great journey and my heartfelt thanks to all the football fans, my teammates, coaches, and support staff who have been part of my career.”
Jeje had been out of action for the last couple of years due to a knee injury. He underwent knee surgery in 2019 and was not able to play much in the Indian Super League after that. He was with East Bengal FC for the last two seasons, but he couldn’t play for them in the 2020-21 season due to his injury.
As Jeje Lalpekhlua steps away from the game, Indian football fans will undoubtedly miss his presence on the field. Jeje’s journey from a small village in Mizoram to the heights of Indian football is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and passion for the game.
Jeje Lalpekhlua’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian football, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of football players in the country!
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