Profile: Ibson Melo | NorthEast United's Target Man

Ibson Melo was playing in Thailand before coming to India.

Indian Super League (ISL) side NorthEast United FC recently announced the arrival of Brazilian target man Ibson Melo, as reported earlier by Khel Now. The Highlanders have signed the 33-year-old striker on a season-long deal ahead of the 2023-24 season to fill in the duties up front.

Ibson Melo comes to India after having a very good stint in Thailand and has big shoes to fill left by former skipper Wilmar Jordan Gil. Will the striker be able to prove himself and help NorthEast United turn things around after a couple of disappointing seasons? 

Let us find out by taking a look at Ibson Melo’s profile.

Prior Experience

The striker began his journey with ACD Potiguar in 2014. He then moved to Cypriot second division side Ethnikos Achna FC ahead of the 2013-14 season and played 25 games while scoring two goals. 

He was then landed by Ayia Napa FC where he featured in 16 games and scored a goal as well to wrap up his brief stint with the club. Ibson was then signed by Cypriot top flight side Pafos FC. He turned up to play 21 games and scored a goal in the 2015-16 season before moving to Ermis Aradippou FC the following season. 

He scored seven goals and provided four assists in 26 games during the 2016-17 season. The target man then moved to Portugal to take up fresh challenges and joined second-division side CS Maritimo where he played 26 games and racked up four goal contributions.

The striker made a move to Asia in 2019 for the first time, and joined Thailand’s second division club Samat Prakan City 2. In Thailand, Ibson became a different player and started delivering consistent performances. 

NorthEast United’s latest recruit played for Sukhothai FC and Khon Kaen United FC during his time in Thailand. He wrapped up his stint in Thailand after scoring 45 goals and providing 10 assists in 110 appearances across the first and second division. 

Type of Player

Ibson Melo brings in a plethora of experience under his belt to a relatively inexperienced and young NorthEast United squad. The Brazilian has played the beautiful game across the globe and most recently in Asia. 

The fact that he has a proven track record in South Asia comes in as an added advantage for the Highlanders because the striker will take little time to settle into their system. Ibson brings in more than just goal-scoring abilities with him.

He can play across multiple positions in the forward line and can also play as a makeshift midfielder as and when required. He is fast and very clinical up front. His game reading abilities coupled with his ability to quickly adapt to situations is what makes him even more valuable for NorthEast United.

What will he bring to the team?

Ibson has been brought by NorthEast United to fill in the void left by the club’s highest goal-scorer Wilmar Jordan Gil. The Colombian set the standards very high as he became the Highlanders' all-time top-scorer after joining them midway through last season.

So, the pressure and expectations will be humongous from Ibson Melo and he is very capable of living up to it. He comes into the Highlanders’ setup on the back of a very good time in Thailand and will be keen to replicate the same here as well.

His experience and 'never give up' attitude will serve as an example to all his younger teammates and will help them get better. In short, Ibson can very well be NorthEast United’s go to man in the upcoming season.