ISL 2025-26: FC Goa sign striker Daniel Lalhlimpuia ahead of the upcoming season

Daniel has scored 15 goals in his career so far.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 is all set to kick off within a few days, and the clubs are in the process of finalising their squad by making their last-minute additions. In this process, the reigning Super Cup champions FC Goa have strengthened their squad by roping in the 28-year-old striker from Mizoram, Daniel Lalhlimpuia.

With over 66 appearances in the Indian Super League and 32 appearances in the I-League, netting nine goals, Daniel joins the Gaurs with decent experience in the top-tier domestic leagues. Apart from that, the striker has also gained exposure in leagues like the AFC Cup Qualifiers and the AFC Cup, where he has made 25 appearances, along with netting 5 goals.

Daniel now joins FC Goa as their signing in the winter window, where he will play a significant role in spearheading the Gaurs’ offensive initiatives and potentially lead them to their first-ever Indian Super League trophy.

Daniel’s journey in Indian Football

Daniel started his youth footballing career at Chandigarh Football Academy in the year 2007, where he developed his footballing skills. In 2013, during his U17 days, he made a move to the AIFF Elite Academy. After spending two years there, he made his breakthrough signing at Bengaluru FC, a club that helped Daniel to build a reputation as a footballer.

Daniel was a part of Bengaluru FC till 2018, apart from a short two-month loan spell at Chennaiyin FC. During his tenure at Bengaluru, the striker made 50 appearances and managed to win the Durand Cup, Super Cup and the I-League title. In the same tenure, he also got his national team call-up, where he featured for the Blue Tigers in three different instances.

In 2018, he joined Delhi Dynamos, which later became Odisha FC, where he made the most appearances as a professional footballer. Later, after spending two years in Punjab FC, he played for the Islanders in the 2024-25 season. Ahead of the 2025-26 season, Daniel signed with Jamshedpur FC. However, after making just two appearances and spending two months at the furnace, Daniel parted ways with the club.

Now, Daniel has completed his move from the furnace to the coast and will be donning the orange jersey in the upcoming Indian Super League Season.

What does Daniel bring to the table for FC Goa?

Daniel, with the kind of experience he has in Indian Football, brings in a deeper understanding of the league’s demands and dynamics. With wide exposure to different systems under different coaches, Daniel has proven his adaptability, rising to the occasion whenever the team demands his services. Comfortable playing as a striker and a winger when instructed, he could serve as a rotation option under Manolo Marquez’s plan.

Having captained the India U19 side earlier, Daniel also brings in the leadership quality to lead and mentor the younger players. Known for his workload, Daniel not only serves as a goal-scoring player, but retreats back to defend whenever the team is in trouble.

In essence, Daniel brings in versatility to the FC Goa squad, playing a major role in creating link-ups and combination plays in the offensive third. With vast experience and a positive intent, Daniel will have a huge responsibility in achieving the dreams of the Gaurs on their first ISL trophy.

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