🔥 Introduction: India’s Global Football Dream
A big question that keeps coming up in Indian football is — “Can those playing abroad play for India?” The Indian-origin footballers scattered around the world are not only playing for foreign clubs, but many of them could be role models for the Indian national team. (According to India sports new rules 2025)
🌍 Why Are Indian Players Going Abroad?
Playing abroad is not just about money — it also means better coaching, better facilities, tactical exposure and the benefits of international scouting. Many were born and raised in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia — but their roots are in India.
📝 FIFA Eligibility Rules: Who can play for India?
According to FIFA rules, if a footballer:
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Have an Indian passport
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Father/mother/grandfather/grandmother are Indian
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He has never played a senior match for India before.
🧭 Top Indian-Origin Footballers Playing Abroad (2025)
1. Yan Dhanda
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Club: Heart of Midlothian (Scotland)
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Origin: British-Indian
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Position: Attacking Midfielder
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Status: AIFF (connection)
2. Danny Batth
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Club: Blackburn Rovers
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Origin: UK-born Punjabi
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Position: Centre Back
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Status: Eligible, but overage (33 years old)
3. Harpreet Heer
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Club: Vancouver FC (Canada)
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Position: Midfielder
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Status: Eligible if you have Indian passport.
4. Dylan Fox
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Club: Ex-Jamshedpur FC
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Origin: Australia
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Status: Indian descent – On the AIFF radar
5. Neil Taylor
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Club: Retired (Ex-Wales)
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Status: Already capped for Wales – Not eligible
6. Arjan Raikhy
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Club: Leicester City
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Status: Very young – future call-up potential
7. Manprit Sarkaria
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Club: Sturm Graz (Austria)
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Status: AIFF is on the radar
8. Dilan Markanday
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Club: Blackburn Rovers
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Status: Technically strong winger, future hopeful
9. Sarpreet Singh
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Club: Bayern B / New Zealand NT
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Status: Already capped for NZ – Not eligible
🎯 Why AIFF Needs to Act Fast
AIFF should take action now:
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Rapid scouting of foreign-born players
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Friendly matches Trialing players with
🗳️ Fan Poll: Who Should Get a Call-up First?
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Yan Dhanda
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Arjan Raikhy
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Manprit Sarkaria
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Dilan Markanday
👉 Comment now
🧠 Conclusion: Future Stars in Waiting
If AIFF does not take action now, a lot of talent may be lost.
Bringing in foreign players can make the Indian football team stronger, but to strengthen the next generation, we need to focus-on junior/young players.
🇮🇳 Now is the time — to open the doors for Indian footballers playing abroad!
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