Benjamin's European Odyssey Shines Light on India's Football Future
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New Delhi: Yohaan Benjamin, an 18-year-old Indian footballer, made history in October 2023 by becoming the first Indian to feature in the UEFA Youth League (UYL). Representing Slovenian club NK Bravo against FC Porto, Benjamin's achievement has sent shockwaves of excitement among young Indian footballers, symbolizing a landmark moment for the country's growing football aspirations. Benjamin has returned to Mumbai for a short break, reflecting on his sojourn in Europe. He credits the experience for providing him with exposure to a professional environment, structured training, and access to advanced facilities. For many Indian youngsters, the challenge lies in securing trials and clearing them. Benjamin took around a month and a half to adjust to the European environment, citing the welcoming nature of the people and the importance of being fluent in English. Benjamin's journey to Europe began early, with school football in Mumbai and a stint at the Minerva football academy in Chandigarh. A three-year training period in Shillong, under coach Bobby, proved decisive, as Benjamin's intense training sessions and frequent tournament exposure prepared him for the professional level. His breakthrough came in the 2023-24 AIFF Youth League, where he scored nine goals in 13 matches, earning him a call-up to the national setup. The opportunity to move to Europe emerged through a cousin in Slovenia, who introduced Benjamin to an agent. He was invited to NK Bravo for a two-week trial, where the coaches were impressed by his work ethic and pace. Benjamin believes his playing style, honed in India, helped him adapt quickly to the European environment. As Benjamin looks to the future, he remains committed to staying in Europe, citing the hub of football as a driving force for his growth and development. He hopes his success will inspire more Indian footballers to follow in his footsteps, contributing to the country's football progress. Benjamin's vision for Indian football includes infrastructure development, extended seasons, and foreign exposure, with players training in Europe. For now, Benjamin's European odyssey serves as a beacon of hope for Indian football, showcasing the potential for growth and development. As he continues to chase his dreams, many will hope that he can demonstrate the world that there's more to Indian football than the current chaos.
