Exclusive: India U19 star Danny Meitei talks SAFF U19 Championship, Bibiano Fernandes, family support & more

The Manipur forward has scored four goals in two SAFF U19 Championship games.

From the foothills of Manipur to the national spotlight, NorthEast United FC‘s 17-year-old star Danny Meitei is quickly becoming a name to watch in Indian football. With four goals in two matches at the ongoing 2025 SAFF U19 Championship, the young forward has lit up the scoresheet but also caught the eye of fans and coaches alike with his energy, maturity, and instinct for the game.

India U19 are looking in imperious form under coach Bibiano Fernandes as they have progressed to the semifinals after winning both their group games comprehensively. One of the players who has stood out in their spectacular wins has been Danny Meitei, who is arguably the best player for India in the tournament.

In an exclusive interview with Khel Now, Danny Meitei opened up about his footballing roots, the challenges of stepping into senior football, and his relationship with Bibiano Fernandes.

Here are some excerpts from the interview:

A Humble Beginning at Sudeva

Danny’s football journey began with Sudeva Delhi FC, a club known for its emphasis on youth development. The club has been a fostering ground for current Indian Super League (ISL) players like Korou Singh and Muhammad Uvais, who have turned into good players for their respective clubs. For Danny, joining the academy wasn’t just about dreaming big; it was about learning and evolving.

While talking about his aims in the Sudeva Delhi FC youth system, he stated, “My first aim is to develop as a great player. That’s always been my biggest goal.” From those early days in the youth system to training with the first team of NorthEast United FC, Danny’s development has been steady, yet profound.

Danny Meitei also recalls the gulf in class between the youth team level and the senior team after his first training day. He shared, “In youth days, we could play with a free mind. But with the senior team, every day is a battle. You have to give 100%, or you’re out. The intensity and detailing is on another level.”

Growing and learning under Bibiano Fernandes

Danny Meitei is no stranger to Bibiano Fernandes, who is the current India U19 head coach. He shared, “I’ve worked under Bibiano sir before, around four years back. So I know exactly what he expects from me.” He also revealed, “He talks to me during training, guides me, and helps me improve. It’s a good feeling to play under him again.”

His performances during the ongoing SAFF U19 Championship are a testament to the bond he shares with coach Fernandes and the confidence he has gained under his tutelage. But even with four goals in two games, Danny remains focused on the task ahead.

Talking about the games ahead after securing the team’s semi-final qualification, Danny Meitei stated, “We’ve done a great job so far, but we’re not done yet. We still have two more matches to go, and we’re confident we’ll finish strong.”

Dealing With Expectations — Calm and Composed

At 17, being touted as a future senior national team player for India can be overwhelming. But Danny Meitei has taken it all in stride when the spotlight has been at its brightest. He stated, “I don’t feel pressure when I play. Football is my passion, I just enjoy it. I do my job and focus on what’s in front of me.”

It’s this composure that makes Danny Meitei a special prospect, one who plays with freedom but understands responsibility of donning the Blue Colts shirt.

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Family, friends, and football are important for Danny

A huge part of Danny Meitei’s personality is shaped by the support from his close-knit family and humble upbringing in Manipur. He stated, “My father is a football fan. Back in Manipur, we used to watch NEROCA FC matches together. That’s where my craze for football started.”

While he doesn’t come from a family of professional football players, Danny credits his father and brother as his biggest motivators. “They’ve been with me in every moment, good or bad,” he added.

He also revealed players who keep him grounded during national camps, while instantly naming two close friends and fellow teammates in Suraj Singh Aheibam and M.S. Thokchom. Danny Meitei stated, “We’ve been together for four or five years. On and off the pitch, they’re my go-to guys.”

Off the Pitch: Danny Meitei is a Mountain Soul

Despite the pressures of competitive football in India, Danny finds time to reconnect with himself. While talking about his life outside of football, Danny Meitei revealed, “In the off-season, I love going to the mountains with friends. I’m a mountain person. Nature helps me recharge. During pre-season, it’s mostly rest, training, and sometimes watching movies.”

Danny Meitei also shares a passion for other sports, cricket being one of them. He stated, “If not for football, I’d probably be playing cricket. My brother plays cricket, and I was into it too, but my father pushed me towards football.”

Discipline, Hard Work, and the Road Ahead

Danny Meitei also reflected on what India’s footballing community needs from its next generation. He shared, “Discipline and hard work. Without these two, nothing is possible.” With the SAFF U19 Championship heading into its final stages, Danny Meitei has already left his mark.

If his performances and attitude are any indication, this is just the beginning of a bright future for both Danny and India’s football team. With India in a dominant position for the SAFF U19 Championship title, it will be interesting to see how & if Danny Meitei and his teammates get the job done.

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