Top 10 best footballers from Goa

Goa has produced quite a few captains for the Indian national football team
Goa has always been the heartbeat of Indian football, producing some of the country’s most talented players. With its rich footballing culture, vibrant local leagues, and a deep connection to the sport, Goa has consistently produced players who have shone brightly on national and international stages.
These star players embody skill, passion, and determination, earning their place among the elite. While it was certainly not easy, Here are the top ten footballers from Goa in the history of Indian football.
Brahmanand Shankhwalkar
The 1997 Arjuna Award and 2022 Padma Shri winner, Brahmanand Shankhwalkar, was one of the greatest players in Indian football history representing his nation more than 50 times. The goalkeeper captained India between 1983 and 1986 and is a legend at Salgaocar FC, where he won 17 trophies with the club in his 17-year stint.
Owing to his contributions, Brahmanand Shankwalkar was also recognised as the AIFF Player of the Decade, for the decade 1985-1995.
Neville D’Souza
Neville D’Souza had a short career that spanned only a total of nine years. He was part of the “Golden Era” of the Indian Football Team, the striker was the top scorer of the 1956 Summer Olympics as the Indian national football team finished fourth in the tournament.
Making 15 appearances for the Blue Tigers, Neville scored 11 goals and once he retired in 1963, he transitioned into a coach.
Bruno Coutinho
Bruno Coutinho’s footballing career spanned between 1989 and 2004. During this time, the Goan footballer also went on to represent the national team, winning two SAFF Cups. He played his last match for India in 2001.
The 1996 AIFF Footballer of the Year also won 2 Federation Cups and a national league title with Salgaocar FC and is regarded as a club legend with them.
Climax Lawrence
Climax Lawrence was active as a professional footballer between 1999 and 2017. During this time, he represented Salgaocar, Dempo, and East Bengal among other clubs.
Owing to his process, the midfielder also got to play for the Indian national football team, making 72 appearances. Climax won the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup and 2 SAFF titles with his nation and was also named the AIFF Player of the Year in 2005.
Roberto Fernandes
Roberto Fernandes made 29 appearances for India and also won the SAFF Gold Cup twice. The defender is one of the best products out of the state of Goa, he also played for Belize Premier Football League side San Pedro Hawks between 2000 and 2001.
In terms of club football in India, Roberto Fernandes won eight titles with Salgaocar FC and also played for Churchill Brothers among other teams.
Fortunato Franco
Chiefly playing as a halfback, Fortunato Franco won the 1962 Asian Games gold medal and 1964 AFC Asian Cup runners-up medal with the Indian national football team. Overall, The Goan made 26 appearances for the Blue Tigers between 1960 and 1965.
On the domestic front, Fortunatoo Franco also played for Western Railways, Tata, Maharashtra, and Salgaocar FC in his playing career.
Mahesh Gawli
Mahesh Gawli represented the Indian football team on 68 occasions between 1999 and 2011. The defender won the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, two SAFF Cups, and two Nehru Cups among other accolades with the national team
In terms of club football, Mahesh Gawli represented FC Kochin, Churchill Brothers, East Bengal, Mahindra United, and Dempo SC. He won a total of five national league titles, with his best coming with Dempo.
Clifford Miranda
The footballer-turned-coach is a relatively big name in Indian football, having also represented the national team in 45 games. Clifford Miranda helped India win the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, two SAFF Cups, and two Nehru Cups among other accolades with the national team.
The attacking midfielder is a club legend at Dempo SC, having played more than 300 games for the club. Clifford Miranda won nine trophies with the Golden Eagles, including five league titles.
Mandar Rao Desai
One of the modern-day greats from Goa, Mandar Rao Desai is still going great at the age of 32. Currently with Chennaiyin FC, the left-back has also represented Mumbai City, East Bengal, and most famously FC Goa amongst other clubs.
Mandar Rao Desai has won the ISL Shield thrice and the ISL Cup twice among other trophies. He has also made nine appearances for the Indian football team, helping them win the 2021 SAFF Championship.
Liston Colaco
The youngest player on this list, Liston Colaco is already one of the biggest names in Goan football at the age of 26. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant player has won all possible trophies available at the club level in India and was also named the FPAI Indian Player of the Year: 2021–22.
So far, Liston Colaco has made 25 appearances for the Indian football team and has helped them win the 2021 SAFF Cup and the 2023 Intercontinental Cup. We can surely expect the winger to become even better in the coming years.
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