The Calcutta Football League has seen many important foreigners over the years.
Started in 1898, the Calcutta Football League (CFL) is the oldest in Asia and one of the oldest football competitions in the world. The Indian Football Association (IFA) conducts the CFL with over 160 clubs and units, mainly based in Kolkata.
East Bengal is the most successful club, having won 39 times. Starting in 2010, East Bengal won a record eight consecutive titles until their arch-rivals Mohun Bagan broke the streak in 2018. Mohun Bagan is the second most successful team, boasting 30 CFL titles. Mohammedan Sporting Club is the current champion.
Over the years, the Calcutta Football League has seen many great foreign players who have left a lasting legacy in the league with their exceptional performances. These players have not only enriched the competition but also helped raise the standard of football in India.
As the new season is set to begin on June 25, we take a look at the achievements of the top 10 foreign players to have played in the Calcutta Football League.
10. Roberto Mendes Silva (Brazil)
Roberto Mendes Silva, also known as Beto, arrived in India in 2004 to play for Mohun Bagan. During his time at the club, he put in impressive performances in the Calcutta Football League. He later joined Dempo SC and won two consecutive National Football League (NFL) titles.
After six successful seasons with Dempo winning three league titles and a Durand Cup, he joined Churchill Brothers and added another I-League and Durand Cup to his list of accolades. He established himself as one of the best players in the Calcutta Football League.
9. Jamshid Nassiri (Irã)
Jamshid Nassiri was a prolific striker who scored 44 goals in just 58 games for East Bengal in the Calcutta Football League and several other competitions. He arrived in India in 1981 and had successful spells with East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting.
Nassiri’s goalkeeping ability and trophy-laden years at these clubs made him a revered figure in Kolkata football. After playing, he became a coach, contributing further to Indian football. His son Kiyan Nassiri is also a football player and plays for Chennaiyin FC.
8. Douglas Da Silva (Brazil)
Douglas Da Silva joined East Bengal in 2002 and was instrumental under coach Subhash Bhowmick. In 2002, East Bengal won five tournaments, including the National Football League and the Calcutta Football League.
Douglas played a key role in winning the ASEAN Club Championship in 2003 and also helped East Bengal secure back-to-back NFL titles. In 2004, he became the CFL’s top scorer and led East Bengal to three consecutive titles.
7. Uga Okpara (Nigeria)
Nigerian defender Uga Okpara joined East Bengal in 2009 and became a defender during Trevor Morgan’s tenure.
His defensive prowess helped East Bengal win several Federation Cups and CFL titles from 2010 to 2013. Unfortunately, a leg injury in 2014 ended his career, but his contributions to the club’s success remain memorable.
6. Penn Orji (Nigeria)
Penn Orji was another key figure in East Bengal’s midfield from 2010 to 2013 under Trevor Morgan.
The Nigerian midfielder played a crucial role in East Bengal’s success, helping them win two Federation Cups and three CFL titles. Orji’s presence in midfield mesmerized fans and solidified his importance in CFL history.
5. José Barreto (Brazil)
José Barreto is without a doubt the most successful Brazilian to ever play in India. Joining Mohun Bagan in the 1999-2000 season, he immediately made his mark by leading the team to the NFL title and IFA Shield victory. In the 2001–02 season, Barreto helped Mohun Bagan win five trophies.
His impressive tally of 156 goals in 180 appearances solidified his status as a club legend. He played a key role in securing Mohun Bagan’s 28th CFL title in 2008.
4. Suley Musah (Ghana)
Ghanaian defender Suley Musah had a long and illustrious career with East Bengal. Known for his defensive solidity and goal-scoring ability, he captained the ASEAN Club Championship-winning team and even scored three goals in the CFL.
Musah’s tenure saw East Bengal win several CFL titles from 1998 to 2004, cementing its legacy as a great club.
3. Majid Bhaskar (Iran)
Majid Bhaskar, a member of Iran’s 1978 World Cup squad, had a significant impact on Indian football. He formed a deadly partnership with Jamshid Nasri during his time in Kolkata.
Majid played for East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting and impressed the football-loving Kolkata fans with his speed and skills. He led Mohammedan Sporting to several trophies, including the Calcutta Football League in 1982.
2. Chidi Edeh (Nigeria)
Chidi Edeh is widely considered one of the best African players in CFL history and has made a lasting impression with his goalkeeping ability. He played for several top Indian clubs including East Bengal and Mohun Bagan from 2009 to 2014.
Edeh’s remarkable ability to find the back of the net made him the fourth highest scorer in NFL and I-League history and earned him a special place in Kolkata football folklore.
1. Chima Okorie (Nigeria)
Joining East Bengal in 1987, Chima Okorie quickly became one of Kolkata’s elite football players, known for his extraordinary speed and strength.
His ability to outrun defenders and his powerful shots made him a constant threat on the pitch. Okorie’s talent was so evident that he became the first foreigner to be signed by Mohun Bagan in 1991.
During his 12 seasons he was the Calcutta Football League’s top scorer seven times, a record that still stands. His dominance on the field and remarkable scoring consistency left a lasting legacy in the CFL.
Notable mentions
- Odafa Onyeka Okolie
- Katsumi Yusa
- Do Dong Hyun
- Ranti Martins
- Bello Razzak
- Omagbemi Black
- Tolgay Özbey
- Penn Orji
- Jose Jaco
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2024-06-20 10:04:19
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