Indian Football: 65 per cent of India Footballers come from 5 States, Study Reveals

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A recent study led by Richard Hood, who previously held the position of head of player development at the All India Football Federation, has provided insightful data on the geographical distribution of football talent in India.

India is a vast country with a population of more than 1.4 billion, but the scenario of football in the country is still languishing. The World Cup dream still seems too far away for us, while the continental performance also needs a swift upsurge.

The game of football has always been second behind cricket in India, and the demographics of football in the country have shown a glaring constriction in patches of the India map.

65 per cent of India Footballers from 5 States

According to the findings, a significant concentration of the country's top football players originates from just five states. Manipur, Mizoram, West Bengal, Punjab, and Goa. A total of 65 per cent of footballers arrive from these five states, which consist of a combined population of 12.43 crore.

Intriguingly, these states account for merely 20% of the Indian population but have produced an overwhelming 90% of its premier football talent.

The Growth of Punjab, Decline of Goa and West Bengal

Particularly noteworthy are the states of Manipur and Mizoram, which stand out for their substantial contribution to the pool of players. Punjab, on the other hand, is distinguished by the extensive playing time its players receive on the national team.

The players from Punjab have played 16.69 per cent of total game time since 2002. Contrasting this, players from West Bengal and Goa have experienced a noticeable decline in national team involvement.

West Bengal players played a total of 36.3 per cent in the World Cup 2006 qualifiers, which has gone down to 5 per cent in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers. In case of Goa, it has taken a nosedive, from 30 per cent to 0.4 per cent.

The Demand of Footballers

Currently, West Bengal players are the most in demand in the ISL, the premier division of club football in India, followed by Manipur and Punjab. Also, Manipur and Mizoram have produced the most number of players who have made their debut in ISL and I-League, 157 & 130 respectively.

The study delves into the "birthplace effect" within Indian football, aiming to pinpoint specific regions that might benefit from enhanced focus on talent scouting and development initiatives.

This comprehensive investigation into the regional disparities in Indian football underscores a critical need for more nuanced and strategic approaches towards nurturing and developing football talent across all regions of the country. The overall objective is to ensure a more equitable representation and opportunity for aspiring footballers nationwide, fostering a stronger and more competitive national team.