Indian women’s football has reached unprecedented heights in recent years, with the national team achieving impressive performances across multiple continental competitions. All three Indian women’s football teams have qualified for their respective AFC Women’s Asian Cup competitions in 2026, signifying the growing strength of women’s football in the country. This success on the international stage has attracted the attention of foreign clubs and scouts, leading to increased opportunities for Indian female footballers to pursue careers abroad.
The breakthrough of Indian women in overseas leagues represents a significant milestone for the nation’s football development. These athletes are not only pursuing personal ambitions but are also serving as ambassadors for Indian women’s football globally, breaking barriers and establishing precedents for future generations. Here are the top five female Indian footballers currently playing overseas in 2026, each demonstrating remarkable courage and skill in pursuing their football dreams on international stages.
Table of Contents
1. Manisha Kalyan – UEFA Champion’s League Pioneer
Manisha Kalyan stands as the most accomplished Indian female footballer playing overseas, achieving historic milestones that few athletes from her nation have reached. A multi-time AIFF Women’s Player of the Year award winner, Kalyan has been instrumental in Indian women’s football’s development throughout her career. She won the Indian Women’s League title twice with Gokulam Kerala and has earned 48 international caps, scoring an impressive 14 goals for the national team.
In 2024, Kalyan made the transformative move to Greek side PAOK’s women’s team, becoming the first female Indian footballer to play in Greece and the first Indian footballer of either gender to compete in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. This milestone transcends personal achievement—it represents Indian women’s football gaining recognition and competitive parity within Europe’s elite competitions.
In the 2024-25 season, Kalyan demonstrated her capability to succeed at the highest European levels, scoring eight goals and providing five assists for PAOK. Her performances proved that Indian women possess the technical ability, tactical awareness, and mental fortitude to compete against Europe’s best, dispelling outdated perceptions about emerging football nations’ players.
| Player | Position | Current Club | League | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manisha Kalyan | Forward | PAOK | Greek Super League | UEFA Women’s Champions League player |
2. Harshika Jain – Romanian Trailblazer
Harshika Jain earned her place among overseas Indian footballers through determination and perseverance. The former Gokulam Kerala FC forward won the Indian Women’s League title with the club, establishing herself as one of India’s finest attacking talents. However, Jain’s ambition extended beyond domestic success, driving her to pursue opportunities in European football.
After earning a trial with Romanian top division side ACS Atletic Olimpia Gherla, Jain impressed during her 20-day evaluation period so thoroughly that the club offered her a permanent contract. In doing so, Jain became the first Indian footballer to play for Romania’s top division, adding another historic achievement to Indian women’s football’s international credentials.
Currently serving as a key squad member for Olimpia Gherla, Jain helped her team finish in seventh place during the 2025-26 league stages. Her consistent performances demonstrate that Indian female footballers can maintain competitive standards across full seasons in challenging European environments.
3. Aveka Singh – Danish League Performer
Aveka Singh pursued a unique path to international football, gaining experience through college football at UC Irvine Anteaters while studying business economics at the University of California. After returning from the USA, she deliberately chose to join a foreign club rather than compete in the Indian Women’s League, demonstrating her commitment to challenging herself at higher competitive levels.
Having earned 11 appearances for the India U17 national team and scoring five goals in that process, Singh joined Danish Women’s top division club Naestved HG in the 2025 summer transfer window. She has quickly established herself as a vital squad member, scoring her debut goal for the club and consistently contributing to the team’s performances. Singh’s success in the Danish Super League affirms that Indian women possess the qualities necessary to succeed in competitive Scandinavian football environments.
| Player | Background | Current Club | League | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aveka Singh | UC Irvine Anteaters (USA) | Naestved HG | Danish Women’s Super League | 11 U17 caps, 5 goals |
4. Kajol D’Souza – Saudi Arabian Success Story
Kajol D’Souza emerged from the La Liga football schools system, bringing sophisticated technical training to Indian women’s football. She played for both Sethu WFC and Odisha WFC in the Indian Women’s League and competed at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup for the India U17 team. Already boasting international experience with three goals in two appearances for the India Women’s national team, D’Souza attracted overseas interest through her consistent performances.
In summer 2025, D’Souza accepted an offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Amal, joining the Saudi Women’s First Division at a higher competitive level. The midfielder has thrived in her new environment, scoring an impressive five goals in just four games during the 2025-26 season. Her rapid goal-scoring rate indicates exceptional adaptation to the Saudi league’s tactical demands and demonstrates her quality as an attacking midfielder capable of influencing matches decisively.
5. Rivka Ramji – Singapore Pathway
Rivka Ramji represents the newest generation of Indian female footballers establishing overseas careers. The 19-year-old midfielder developed through Karnataka’s youth football system, earning recognition at state level before progressing to Sethu FC in the Indian Women’s League. Her impressive performances for India U20 teams caught the attention of Singapore’s Lion City Sailors Women’s team.
In 2025, Ramji became the first Karnataka-based women’s footballer to join a foreign club, joining Lion City Sailors. Since arriving in Singapore, she has become an important squad player, making multiple appearances and establishing herself as a consistent performer. Ramji’s progression from youth football to international club football demonstrates the pathway opening for Indian female footballers to pursue overseas careers at increasingly younger ages.
Read More: Top Six Male Indian Footballers Playing Overseas in 2026
FAQs
Who is the top Indian female footballer playing overseas?
Manisha Kalyan tops the list, playing for Greek club PAOK. She’s the first Indian to compete in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and has achieved historic milestones for Indian women’s football.
Which Indian female footballer plays in Europe’s top leagues?
Manisha Kalyan plays for PAOK in Greece’s Super League, while Harshika Jain plays for Olimpia Gherla in Romania’s top division, both competing at elite European levels.
What leagues are Indian female footballers competing in?
Indian women are playing in Greece (PAOK), Romania (Olimpia Gherla), Saudi Arabia (Al-Amal), Denmark (Naestved HG), and Singapore (Lion City Sailors).
Has any Indian female footballer played in UEFA Champions League?
Yes, Manisha Kalyan became the first Indian footballer of either gender to compete in the UEFA Women’s Champions League while playing for PAOK.
Why are more Indian female footballers moving abroad?
Improved domestic women’s football standards, recognition of Indian talent by foreign scouts, and the opportunity to compete at higher levels are driving more Indian female footballers to pursue overseas careers.
