NorthEast United's Jithin MS on Santosh Trophy heroics, football journey, struggles & more

Jithin MS has earned a national team call-up for his excellent performances.

Jithin Madathil Subran is one of the emerging players in the Indian football circuit. The Golden Ball winner from this year’s Durand Cup has captured attention with his stellar performance in the field. The Kerala native finally earned his spot in Manolo Márquez’s list of 26 probables for Indian national football team in the FIFA International Friendly against Malaysia on November 18th.

Jithin MS joined NorthEast United FC in August 2022. Before that, he was part of Gokulam Kerala FC, with whom he won two consecutive I-League’s. He was awarded the best midfielder for the I-League 2021-22 season.

The 26-year-old forward shared his football journey in an exclusive interview with Khel Now.

From Seven Football to Professional Football

Hailing from Thrissur, Jithin’s interest in football began after watching his older brothers play at the local level. “I have two elder brothers, both of whom are football players. Watching them is how my interest began,” Jithin MS said.

“They played in Sevens football, which is very popular in my state. There’s an academy called Samrto, where my journey started.” Sevens football is a seven-a-side game played on a smaller field, a popular competition across Kerala.

Jithin’s father was a daily wage worker, and football helped the young forward support his family. “When I was a child, we were poor. My father was a daily wage worker. He worked as a coconut climber from Ollur in Thrissur. Football gave me everything. Whatever I am today is because of it. Now I have a house that I bought with money from football. Football gave me everything,” Jithin MS expressed.

Jithin MS returns to the senior team. Welcome home, Jithin!#KeralaBlasters #HeroISL #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/llNXPENLjO

— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) December 7, 2018

Santosh Trophy heroics

Jithin MS won the Santosh Trophy with the Kerala state football team in 2018. He was the joint top scorer with five goals, including one in the final. After this impressive performance, he gained attention from several clubs.

He joined Gokulam Kerala in November 2019. Reflecting on this journey, Jithin said, “Everything happened for a reason, and my move to Gokulam was meant to be. They believed in me, and the next year we became I-League champions.”

In his first season with Gokulam Kerala, he played eight matches and scored a goal. But he truly showcased his potential in the 2021-22 season when in 17 appearances he scored four goals and provided two assists. “I was awarded the best midfielder, and that’s how NorthEast United scouted me,” Jithin MS added.

Journey with NorthEast United FC: From lowest to silverware

When Jithin joined NorthEast United FC, the club were struggling. They finished 10th in the 2021-22 season. The following season, the team won only one game. Jithin made his debut against Sudeva Delhi on September 2, assisting teammate Dipu Mirdha. He made his ISL debut against Bengaluru FC on October 8, 2022.

Jithin scored his first ISL goal against East Bengal FC on February 8, his only goal that season. In the Super Cup, he scored a goal and assisted a goal against Churchill Brothers.

Ready to 𝒑𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒌! 😤👊𝗝𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗦 is all set to rule the Highlands ❤️🤍🖤#WelcomeJithin #StrongerAsOne #TogetherWeAreInfinite pic.twitter.com/V8LfrIqz9k

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) August 18, 2022

Jithin’s breakthrough came after Spanish gaffer Juan Pedro Benali joined the team, where he scored five goals and made five assists. This performance earned him a call-up to the Indian camp for FIFA Asian Qualifiers under former coach Igor Stimac.

Jithin showed his full potential in the 133rd Durand Cup. In six matches, he contributed goals or assists in five games. He scored four goals and assisted one in three consecutive games.

Jithin was the only player for NorthEast United FC in the first half of the final, causing trouble for Mohun Bagan Super Giant‘s defense in the final and assisted Alaaeddine Ajaraie for the first goal. He won the man of the tournament award for his four goals and three assists in the tournament.

Reflecting on the Durand Cup, Jithin said, “This has been one of the best campaigns I’ve ever had. My hard work and the coach’s guidance helped me achieve the Golden Ball.”

At halftime in the final, with NorthEast United FC trailing 2-0 at Salt Lake Stadium, Jithin recalled, “The coach’s talk was positive. He encouraged me to keep delivering and keep running for the full 90 minutes.”

From criticism to becoming the Highlanders’ star

Jithin faced heavy criticism, but Juan Pedro Benali stood by him. After the final, Benali shared, “Jithin worked very hard. When everyone was against him, we trusted him, and he proved himself.”

Reflecting on his early ISL days, Jithin said, “In my first season, I was nervous. But with support from the coach and teammates, I got comfortable.”

ALSO READ: How Vibin Mohanan & Jithin MS can add much-needed fresh dimension to Indian football team

Secrets behind his fast sprints

Jithin MS is one of the players in the Indian Super League with the ability to run at top speed. His runs across both flanks consistently create chaos in the opposing team’s defense.

When asked about this skill, Jithin recalls his school days, “In my school days, I practiced and participated in athletics as well. I used to run a lot back then. That training might be one reason I can sprint faster now.”

Football idol and his boot’s secret

Speaking about his football idol, Jithin shared his admiration for Ronaldinho. He said, “I admired Ronaldinho a lot. In India, my idol is Sunil Chhetri. Last time, in Bhubaneswar, I trained with him in the national camp. He even gifted me a pair of football boots, and from that day onward, I have worn them for every game.”

Team Environment

Though naturally shy, Jithin said that his teammates at NorthEast United are friendly. “My roommates, Mirshad Michu and Mayakkannan Muthu, and teammates like Ali and Hamza, have all helped me.”

He also mentioned new ISL sensation Alaeddine Ajaraie: “He joined recently and has everyone laughing.”

National Team Dream

This interview took place before the game against Odisha FC on November 3, 2024. While there were speculations about a national team call-up, Jithin said, “I’m focused on training and our matches. One day, the time will come.”

In the ISL, the 26-year-old winger has appeared in 43 matches, scoring five and assisting six. This season, he has assisted three goals in seven appearances. He is still able to find the net this year, but he’s had some missed chances as well. He missed two open goal-scoring opportunities against Jamshedpur and Odisha.

Our dynamic player Jithin MS is named in the India's Probable squad for their FIFA friendly against Malaysia on 18 November 2024!We're happy and proud of you, Jithin! 👏🏼👏🏼🔥 pic.twitter.com/4Lxo4X97jX

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) November 5, 2024

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