Manisha Kalyan: India’s Football Jewel

Special Correspondent

Indian sport has often produced heroes who defy odds, challenge stereotypes, and rewrite the boundaries of possibility. In women’s football, one such shining name today is Manisha Kalyan—a gifted attacking midfielder whose dazzling skill, relentless determination, and fearless ambition have elevated Indian football to new heights over the past decade.

At just 24, Manisha has already built a career that many footballers only dream of. Her journey—from a small village in Punjab to the big stages of international and European football—is not just a personal triumph, but a symbol of how Indian women’s football is steadily finding its place on the global map.

Her latest moment of brilliance came on March 10, 2026, during India’s match against Chinese Taipei women’s national football team in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. With India pushing forward, Manisha stepped up to take a free-kick nearly 30 yards from goal. What followed was a piece of footballing artistry. The ball soared over the defensive wall, dipped dramatically, struck the underside of the crossbar, and bounced across the goal line. It was a moment that stunned spectators and commentators alike. Many quickly described it as “goal-of-the-tournament material,” with some even comparing the technique and audacity to legendary strikes by Cristiano Ronaldo.

But for those who have followed her career closely, such brilliance is hardly surprising.

Born on November 27, 2001, in Muggowal village in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district, Manisha grew up in a modest yet supportive household. The daughter of a businessman, she balanced education with her growing love for football. She studied at Sant Attar Singh Khalsa Senior Secondary School before graduating from Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women. Yet it was the dusty playgrounds of her village that first witnessed the spark of a future star.

Her football journey began at the age of 13 when her physical education teacher, Brahmjit Singh, spotted her extraordinary natural ability. What started as a casual school sport quickly evolved into a serious pursuit. With remarkable ball control, pace, and attacking instincts, Manisha soon stood out among her peers.

Her breakthrough came in 2018 when she signed with Gokulam Kerala FC Women in the Indian Women’s League. During the 2019–20 campaign, she played a crucial role in the club’s success, delivering decisive performances and scoring key goals. Her dynamic midfield play and attacking flair earned her the Emerging Player of the Tournament award, marking her as one of the brightest young talents in Indian football.

Recognition followed swiftly. Manisha was named the AIFF Women’s Emerging Footballer of the Year and later crowned AIFF Women’s Player of the Year, confirming her rise as the face of a new generation of Indian footballers.

In 2021, she created history by becoming the first Indian woman to score in a top-flight Asian club competition during the AFC Women’s Club Championship. Her goal against FC Bunyodkor Women announced her arrival on the continental stage.

Europe soon beckoned.

In July 2022, Manisha signed for Apollon Ladies FC, becoming one of the few Indian women footballers to play professionally in Europe. She made her debut in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, thereby becoming the first Indian footballer to feature in the prestigious tournament.

Her time in Cyprus proved historic. When Apollon Ladies won the Cypriot Women’s First Division title in the 2022–23 season, Manisha became the first Indian woman footballer to win a European league championship. Her performances earned her a place in the Pancyprian Footballers Association’s Team of the Season—another remarkable milestone for an Indian athlete.

Continuing her European journey, she later joined the Greek club PAOK FC Women in 2024. There she delivered consistently strong performances, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 23 appearances, helping the club reach the semifinals of the Greek Cup.

Internationally, Manisha’s story is equally inspiring. She first represented India at the youth level in the BRICS U-17 Football Cup in 2018 and soon progressed to the senior national team. She made her senior debut for the India women’s national football team at just 17 years old.

One of her most memorable moments came in 2021 when she scored against Brazil during the International Women’s Football Tournament of Manaus—a historic feat that made her the first Indian woman to score against the South American giants.

From village fields to European stadiums, Manisha Kalyan’s journey reflects grit, courage, and boundless ambition. More importantly, she represents hope for millions of young girls who dream of playing football in a country where the sport is still fighting for recognition among women.

Her spectacular free-kick against Chinese Taipei was not just a goal—it was a reminder that Indian football has found a rare gem. And if Manisha Kalyan continues on her current trajectory, the world may soon have no choice but to acknowledge what India already knows: its football jewel is ready to shine on the global stage.