Where is Arthur Papas now?

A look at the career of a forgotten ISL assistant coach who remains a cult figure.

Former Indian Super League (ISL) club FC Goa and I-League club Pailan Arrows head coach Arthur Papas is a name that may not be synonymous with Indian football fans. The Australian football coach is renowned for his undying commitment to high-tempo, attacking football he employed within his teams.

With coaching stints across Australia, India, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, Papas gained a reputation for his tactical acumen and innovative style of coaching football.

At the very beginning of his time in India, Papas introduced his attacking style of football, while being in charge of India’s U-23s team and guiding them to the final of the 2013 U-23 Asian Cup.

Showcasing promise with India U-23s and Pailan Arrows

The Australian was quite ahead of his time and impressively showcased the need for focus on youth-level development in Indian football. Under his stewardship, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) entrusted the development of young Indian talents to play professional football at the highest levels.

Papas took charge of the Pailan Arrows team (now Indian Arrows) for the 2012-2013 I-League season following his stint with the India U-23s team. While he was only at the club for one season, his team showcased a style of football based on ball retention and short passing combination play.

However, after the disbanding of the team following the conclusion of the 2012-13 season, 3-time I-League champions Dempo SC appointed him as head coach.

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Papas’ tenure with FC Goa

Following a good season with Dempo SC in the 2013-14  I-League season, where they finished fourth, Papas was appointed as assistant coach to FC Goa head coach Zico during the inaugural ISL season in 2014.

Alongside the Brazilian icon and marquee player and former Arsenal winger Robert  Pires, Papas helped FC Goa grab 2nd position in the league.

The success came after a tough start during which Papas and his men lost four out of six matches. However, they sparked a remarkable comeback by winning five of their last eight games and finishing with the 2nd spot in the ISL league standings.

Their league position advanced them to the end of the season playoffs where they narrowly lost to Atletico de Kolkata following a penalty shootout.

Helping NorthEast United FC to their best league finish

After a brief stint overseas in Australia and Saudi Arabia, Papas was once again appointed as assistant coach of NorthEast United FC, led by head coach Eelco Schatorrie. Following excellent performances during the regular season, Papas alongside Schatorrie qualified for the ISL playoffs with the best defensive record in the league.

It was also a Highlanders side that featured one of the most potent attacks in ISL history with Bartholomew Ogbeche, Rowllin Borges and Federico Gallego leading the attack. However, the Australian left the Highlanders camp just before the semi-final encounters against Bengaluru FC. While the team didn’t make it to the ISL final, it remains to date their best league finish in club history.

What is Arthur Papas doing now?

The Australian has since coached in Japan and Australia while making AFC Champions League appearances during his time with Buriram United. While Papas is currently without a club in December 2024, he is still fondly remembered in a few Indian football circles as a cult figure.

While he never won major club honors at the club level as a head coach or an assistant coach, the Australian head coach left behind an enduring legacy in Indian football.

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