Top five players from India's SAFF U19 Championship triumph

A list featuring young prospects who starred for the Blue Colts in their triumph.

The India U19 Football Team’s recent triumph in the SAFF U19 Championship marked another major milestone of success for the country’s youth football setup.

With invincible performances during the tournament and displaying nerves of steel in the Final against Bangladesh, the Indian U19 team defended the title after a thrilling penalty shootout.

A well-drilled side under coach Bibiano Fernandes, the team displayed resilience, flair, and discipline, with several players rising to the occasion when it mattered most.

With five goals in four matches including a hat-trick, India's Danny Meitei Laishram emerged as the Golden Boot winner in SAFF U19 Championship 2025! #IndianFootball #IndianFootballTeam #IndiaU19 #INDBAN #SAFFU19 pic.twitter.com/tuDxsKVyEy

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) May 19, 2025

Let us look at the top five players who played a crucial role in India’s victorious campaign at the 2025 SAFF U-19 Championship:

5. Suraj Singh Aheibam

A position that rarely get the spotlight in youth tournaments, goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam made sure he earned his highlight for India. The young shot-stopper was a rock at the back, registering three clean sheets in four games.

Suraj’s positioning, shot-stopping ability, and calm presence provided India with a solid foundation from the back and enabled them to capitalise on opponents’ missed opportunities. However, his most iconic moment came in the Final, with India needing a save from him in the penalty shootout, Suraj pulled off a miraculous save at the cost of Nazmul Huda Faysal that swung the momentum India’s way. A clutch moment where the young goalkeeper stepped up that defines championship-winning mentality.

4. Singamayum Shami

The India U19 captain led by example throughout the tournament while being a source of inspiration with his tireless work in the middle of the park. A calming presence in midfield, Shami scored two goals in four games, including the crucial opener in the final against Bangladesh.

Shami not only helped India control the tempo in the center of the park, but he also displayed composure and leadership when it mattered most in tough situations. In the final, he stepped up and converted the critical penalty during the shootout, to send the Golden Jubilee Stadium into raptures.

The Indian midfielder’s contributions went beyond goals — he was the glue that held the midfield together, and his leadership was vital throughout India’s title run.

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3. Prashant Jajo

Prashant Jajo found the net three times in four games, emerging as one of India’s surprise packages of the tournament as an attacker. His energetic overlapping runs from right-back caused headaches for opponents, and he also maintained his defensive duties with maturity.

Jajo’s ability to transition from his defensive duties and proceed to attack, giving India width and attacking impetus. He was one of the standout performers of the tournament for the Blue Colts. Whether it was surging forward or cutting out threats at the back, Jajo showed remarkable stamina and dedication to help out his team.

2. Omang Dodum

The local hero from Arunachal Pradesh, Omang Dodum, delivered a stellar performance on home soil. With three goals in four matches, Omang gave India a sharp attacking edge alongside his fellow forwards.

His link-up play, movement off the ball, and eye for goal made him a constant threat for opposing defenders. More than just his numbers, Omang’s ability to connect with the crowd and rise to the occasion showcased his maturity and potential. His performances will be remembered not just for the goals, but for inspiring the next generation of footballers in the North East.

1. Danny Meitei

If there was one player who defined India’s dominant title-winning campaign, it was NorthEast United FC attacker Danny Meitei. The 17-year-old forward finished as the tournament’s top scorer and Golden Boot winner with five goals in four games, delivering clinical finishes and creating chances with his pace and dribbling.

Meitei’s composure in front of goal, flair on the ball, and fearless mentality made him a nightmare for defenders. Whether it was in the group stage or high-pressure moments in the knockout rounds, Danny showed why he is considered one of the brightest young talents in India’s growing footballing landscape today.

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