Mohammed Aimen: The Rising Star Bringing Flair and Hope to Indian Football

Indian football may be going through turbulent times with uncertainty around its top-flight league, but a young talent has emerged as a beacon of hope. Mohammed Aimen, a Kerala Blasters academy product, has captured the imagination of fans with his fearless, skillful display in the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. His brace against Brunei — blending flair and finishing — went viral and earned him a call-up to the Indian senior team for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in Singapore.

Aimen’s performance came when India’s qualification hopes were slim. Introduced as a substitute, he showed persistence with his trickery down the left before producing two stunning goals. While proud of his contribution, Aimen admitted disappointment at India’s group-stage exit, narrowly missing qualification on goal difference. “It’s always a proud moment to wear the national jersey and score goals. The sad part was we didn’t qualify, but I’m happy with how my teammates fought,” he told India Today.

A fan of Neymar, Aimen models his style on the Brazilian’s flair. “I love going one-v-one, showboating, and creating chances. My coach told me to shoot more, so I went for it. When people called my goal a ‘blitz goal,’ I didn’t even know what it meant until my cousins explained it came from video games,” he laughed.

His football journey began almost by chance. Initially drawn to cricket in Kochi, Aimen and his twin brother Azhar joined SH Football Academy before progressing through Kerala Blasters’ youth system. Family support was key, with his father encouraging the academy move. A training stint with Polish club Rakow Czestochowa further sharpened his skills, exposing him to European standards of speed, technique, and discipline.

Now preparing for the next ISL season, Aimen aims to deliver more goals and assists for the Blasters. He admits some coaches discourage flair, but insists, “That’s my style. Neymar is my idol, and I try to imitate him. I’ll always be a dribbler and scorer.”

Though still early in his career, Aimen has his sights set on consistency and growth rather than immediate pressure to cement his senior team place. “If I play well, the call-ups will come naturally,” he said. His ambition is simple yet powerful — to bring joy, creativity, and goals to Indian football.

With a confirmed senior team call-up and the charisma to excite fans, Mohammed Aimen represents not just the next chapter but also the possibility of a brighter, more stylish future for Indian football.