Mumbai City FC players reveal story behind their jersey numbers

Each of the four Mumbai City FC players have a different history behind their respective jersey numbers.

In football, jersey numbers tell unique stories and these stories behind jersey numbers extend beyond the player’s individual journey; they become chapters in the broader narrative of the team and even the entire footballing community.

The passing down of a legendary number, the retirement of a jersey in honour of a club legend, or a player’s deliberate choice to adopt a specific number can become folklore, etching their name into the rich tapestry of football history. 

This truth holds particularly strong for Mumbai City FC players such as Rahul Bheke, Greg Stewart, Bipin Singh, and Halen Nongtdu, each choosing and retaining their jersey numbers, each with a special story attached.

Let’s take a look on the story behind their jersey numbers:

First ISL club

Rahul Bheke, captain of Mumbai City FC, shared his part of the story about why the #2 holds such a special place in his heart. The skipper said, “When I first got selected for Kerala Blasters, that was my first season in ISL.”

“The coach, he was an English coach, and as per my position he gave me the #2 jersey. So after the season, I thought I should keep the same number because it was my first club in the ISL. So, that’s the reason, I continued with the same number in all my other clubs in ISL.”

Marriage date – A lucky charm

One of the Islanders’ key players, Greg Stewart, shared an interesting story behind his jersey number, which is nothing short of a beautiful and romantic tale. He highlighted, “The jersey number, ’24’ is the date that me and my wife got married.”

He continued, “It was the first season of my boyhood club and my Ma used to get me that number, because we got married that summer and then the following months I joined the new club. I have won every league title, so it’s a lucky charm.”

Whatever was available!

Bipin Singh has a rather straightforward story behind his jersey number. The winger shared, “When I was in Shillong Lajong, I was a junior. I went from junior to senior for the I-League. The number I wanted was already taken by the seniors. So the number which was available, I took it. Since #29 was available, I took it, and I will wear this number always.”

Mom’s love

On the other hand, Halen Nongtdu explained why he took the #44 shirt. The defender said, “Actually I want 22, but Bhaskar (Roy) got that number. 22 is my mom’s favourite number, so I want to make it double, so 44. Simple.”

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