Top five best TFA players to feature in ISL

Legends like Udanta and Robin Singh are TFA graduates.

The Tata Football Academy (TFA), founded in 1987, stands as a beacon of excellence in Indian football development, having produced some of the nation’s finest talents over the last 37 years.

This institution, born out of the vision of Jamshedji Nusserwanji Tata, not only reflects his pioneering spirit in industry but also his profound commitment to the holistic development of Indian citizens, particularly through sports. His dream of nurturing footballing talent in India came to fruition with the establishment of TFA, which remains one of the premier football academies in the country.

Jamshedji Tata’s dedication to sports was carried forward by his son, Sir Dorabji Tata, who emphasized the importance of football as part of the Tata Group’s long-standing commitment to nurturing sporting excellence. This legacy of football promotion reached new heights in 2017 when Tata Steel introduced Jamshedpur FC into the Indian Super League, further strengthening Tata’s footballing vision.

Over the years, TFA has produced numerous talents who have significantly impacted Indian football, with many going on to feature in the Indian Super League. Legends like Chuni Goswami and Arun Ghosh, who served as directors of the academy, played pivotal roles in shaping TFA’s culture of excellence. Additionally, TFA’s partnership with Atletico Madrid in 2017 broadened its global exposure, offering its cadets a platform to learn from one of Europe’s elite football institutions.

In this feature, we will explore the careers of the greatest TFA graduates who have made their mark in the Indian Super League and left an indelible impact on the Indian football scene. Hold on your breath as the second name in this list has been rumoured to have eight legs.

5. Narayan Das

Narayan Das, a seasoned defender and a Tata Football Academy graduate, is a name that holds weight in the Indian footballing circles, even if the younger generation may not fully recognize the depth of his impact. Having spent four pivotal years at TFA from 2008 to 2012, Narayan Das honed his skills and emerged as a robust defender.

In 2014, Narayan joined FC Goa on loan for the inaugural Indian Super League season and instantly became a standout performer. His consistency and defensive prowess saw him make 23 appearances for the club in his debut season, establishing himself as one of the league’s rising stars. This impressive showing earned him a move to FC Pune City for the 2016-17 season, where he continued to display his defensive tenacity.

Following his stint with Pune, Narayan played for Delhi Dynamos, before joining East Bengal in 2020. With over 17 appearances for the Kolkata giants, his versatility and resilience shone through. He later moved to Chennaiyin FC, where he made over 25 appearances across two seasons, solidifying his position as one of the league’s dependable defenders.

4. Syed Rahim Nabi

Syed Rahim Nabi has been a versatile footballer known for his adaptability across various positions on the field. His journey through Indian football, particularly in the Indian Super League and the domestic circuit, marks him as one of the most notable players of his era.

After graduating from the Tata Football Academy in 2002, Nabi joined Mohammedan Sporting Club and immediately made an impact, scoring 11 goals in just 31 matches. His tenure at Mohammedan was a springboard for greater things, as he soon moved to East Bengal, one of the most iconic clubs in Indian football. At East Bengal, Nabi became a fan favourite, amassing over 100 appearances and scoring 23 goals during his seven-year stay.

In 2011, Nabi joined Mohun Bagan, the other Kolkata giant, where he played for two seasons, scoring four goals in 46 appearances. His impact on the Kolkata football scene was immense, as he is one of the few players to have played for all three of the city’s most storied clubs – Mohammedan Sporting, East Bengal, and Mohun Bagan. Nabi’s career in the Indian Super League saw him don the jerseys of Mumbai City FC and Atletico de Kolkata.

3. Robin Singh

Robin Singh, a name deeply associated with goal-scoring prowess in Indian football, is a graduate of the esteemed Tata Football Academy. Prior to that, he honed his skills at the Chandigarh Football Academy from 2003 to 2005.

Robin made his debut in the Indian Super League in 2015-16 for Delhi Dynamos FC and quickly established himself as a player with a natural ability to find the back of the net. His towering physical presence and aerial prowess made him a dangerous centre forward.

His ISL career saw him play for several top clubs, including FC Goa, East Bengal, ATK (formerly Atletico de Kolkata), FC Pune City, Hyderabad FC, and RoundGlass Punjab, making him a well-traveled striker who left his mark across Indian football.

2. Subrata Paul

Subrata Paul, fondly known as the “Spiderman of India,” has been a cornerstone of Indian football for decades, earning the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2016 for his exceptional contributions to the sport.

The 37-year-old, standing tall at 6 feet 1 inches, hails from Sodepur and has earned a reputation as one of India’s most reliable and talented goalkeepers, safeguarding not only the goalposts but the hearts of Indian football fans. Subrata’s football journey began at the Tata Football Academy, where he trained from 2002 to 2004, developing the skills that would eventually make him a household name.

He featured in the inaugural match of the ISL and has donned the jerseys of Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, and Jamshedpur FC. His stint at Jamshedpur FC, where he spent three successful seasons, remains particularly noteworthy. During his debut season with the club, Subrata was honoured with the Golden Glove Award.

1. Udanta Singh

Udanta Singh Kumam, the 5 feet 7 inches tall winger from Manipur, has firmly established himself as one of the most electrifying talents to emerge from the Tata Football Academy (TFA). His journey from TFA, where he spent his formative years between 2010 and 2014, to the Indian Super League (ISL) has been one of relentless dedication and sheer brilliance.

Known for his lightning-quick pace and technical skills, Udanta has become a household name in Indian football. Udanta’s professional career is most notably defined by his long association with Bengaluru FC, where he became a club icon over nearly a decade. From his debut in 2014, he quickly endeared himself to the fans at the Kanteerava Stadium, becoming a fan favourite with his tireless work ethic and game-changing moments.

In his 147 appearances for Bengaluru FC, Udanta was pivotal in the club’s triumphs, including the historic ISL title win in the 2018-19 season and the Durand Cup victory in 2022. After leaving Bengaluru, Udanta joined FC Goa in 2023, where he continues to display his talents on the field.

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