Indian soccer guided by Kuwait-born Khalid Jamil: An idealist upholding values over mainstream favor
Khalid Jamil: From Indian Football's Underdog to National Team Coach
Khalid Jamil's journey in Indian football is a testament to determination and resilience. Born in a nation where football fever ran high, Jamil's career truly took off when he moved to India.
In 1997, he signed with Mahindra United, a club that aligned with his values. This was the beginning of a career that would span every tier of Indian football, from I-League 2 to the Indian Super League (ISL), and from grassroots to glory.
As a player, Jamil was an accomplished midfielder who won India's top division league with Mahindra United in 2005. However, his career was cut short by injuries, and he was forced to retire at the age of 32 in 2009.
Transitioning into coaching, Jamil demonstrated his ability to manage teams with limited resources. He spent seven seasons with Mumbai FC, maintaining the club's position in the top tier for multiple seasons.
Jamil's breakthrough as a manager came when he joined Aizawl FC in 2016. Under his guidance, the club won the 2016-17 I-League title, becoming the first team from Northeast India to win the national league—a feat compared to Leicester City's Premier League win for its underdog nature and impact.
Following this, Jamil managed high-profile clubs such as East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, NorthEast United, Bengaluru United, Nepal's Chitwan FC, and Jamshedpur FC. Notably, during the 2020-21 season, he became the first Indian coach to lead a team (NorthEast United) to the ISL playoffs, including a ten-match unbeaten streak.
In 2023-24, Jamil joined Jamshedpur FC mid-season and led a youthful squad to fifth place and the Super Cup final. As of now, Jamshedpur remains unbeaten in the Durand Cup, and Jamil is managing dual responsibilities - club and country - until the tournament concludes.
In 2025, Khalid Jamil was appointed as the head coach of the Indian men's football team, becoming the first Indian to hold this position in 13 years. His appointment is seen as a strategic move by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to foster trust in Indian managers and rejuvenate the national team's performance following a period of decline.
As India prepares for the CAFA Nations Cup, Jamil is set to make his debut as the national team's coach. India is currently ranked 133rd in FIFA rankings, but with Jamil's deep tactical understanding, ability to inspire underdog teams, and a grounded, hardworking coaching style, there is hope for renewed ambitions in Asian football.
India will face defending champions Iran and Asian Cup quarterfinalists Tajikistan in the CAFA Nations Cup. Most first-team regulars are expected to be available for the tournament.
With Jamil at the helm, Indian football fans can look forward to an exciting future.
[1] Indian Express [2] The Hindu [3] Outlook India
Football, or soccer, has been a significant part of Khalid Jamil's life, both as a player and a coach. His time with Mahindra United, the club that aligns with his values, marked the beginning of his career in Indian football.
