The Importance of Indian Football Players Playing Abroad

Indian football has come a long way in recent years, with the Indian Super League (ISL) gaining popularity and the national team making strides in international competitions. However, there is still a long way to go for Indian football to reach the level of the world’s top footballing nations. One way to bridge this gap is for Indian players to play abroad.

Manolo Marquez, the coach of India’s men’s national football team, believes that leaving one’s comfort zone is essential for growth. He emphasizes the importance of Indian players playing abroad to improve their skills and compete at a higher level. Playing against top-quality opposition and experiencing different footballing cultures can only benefit Indian players in the long run.

However, there are several barriers that prevent Indian players from playing abroad. One of the biggest obstacles is money. The salaries in the ISL are higher than those in many other leagues, making it difficult for Indian players to justify a move abroad. Additionally, many foreign clubs are hesitant to sign Indian players due to their lack of experience playing at a high level.

Despite these challenges, there have been a few Indian players who have made the move abroad in recent years. Sunil Chhetri, India’s all-time leading goalscorer, had a brief stint with Kansas City Wizards in the MLS. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, the national team’s goalkeeper, played for Stabaek in Norway for two seasons. These experiences have undoubtedly helped these players improve their skills and bring back valuable knowledge to the Indian football scene.

It is important for Indian football to continue to encourage and support its players to play abroad. The exposure to different footballing cultures and playing against top-quality opposition can only benefit Indian football in the long run. While money may be a barrier, it should not be the only factor considered when making a decision to play abroad. Indian players should be encouraged to take risks and leave their comfort zones in order to grow and improve as footballers.