Nikhil Mali (born 11th November 1996) is an Indian professional football and futsal player.[1] He was part of the Delhi FC side which won the inaugural Hero Futsal Club Championship in 2021, in which he was named the most valuable player, having scored 24 goals in 5 matches.[2] Therefore, he was called up for India national futsal team inaugural campaign. He also played for Minerva Academy futsal team.
 Nikhil Mali playing for Aizawl | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Nikhil Rajendra Mali | ||
| Date of birth | 11 November 1996 | ||
| Place of birth | Lagos, Nigeria | ||
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Winger | ||
| Youth career | |||
| DSK Shivajians | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2020 | Techtro Swades United FC | ||
| 2021 | Delhi FC | 24 | (8) |
| 2021–2022 | → Aizawl FC (loan) | 7 | (0) |
| 2022–2023 | FC Bengaluru United | 10 | (3) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Youth career
editNikhil Mali is a product of DSK Shivajians - Liverpool FC academy. He joined DSK Shivajians in 2015, after being selected during a trial in Pune. After completing his studies, he made a comeback to professional football.[3]
Club career
editDelhi FC
editThe club participated in the 2021 Durand Cup where Mali played an important role in their run to the quarter-finals, scoring in the 1–5 defeat to Indian Super League team FC Goa.[4]
Hero I-League 2nd Division
editHaving been nominated by their state association (Football Delhi), Delhi FC were one of 10 teams to compete in 2021 I-League Qualifiers.[5] Mali was part of the Delhi FC team which was placed in group B alongside Kenkre FC, Corbett FC, ARA FC and Kerala United. He appeared in every game and provided 3 assists as Delhi FC topped their group to advance to the final round. However, they finished third and failed to qualify for the Hero I-League.[6]
Futsal Club Championship
editDelhi FC was one of 16 teams to take part in the inaugural Futsal Club Championship in November 2021, placed in group C alongside Niaw Wasa FC, Telongjem FC and TRAU FC.[7] Mali scored 15 goals in the group stage, helping Delhi FC qualify for the semifinals where they defeated Mangala Club 12–7. Mali scored 4 goals, adding 5 more in the final as Delhi FC defeated Mohammedan SC 7–2 to be crowned champions. He was named most valuable player and top goal scorer of the tournament.[8] He also won the following edition with Minerva Academy, being awarded the top scorer again, with 25 goals.[9]
Aizawl FC
editHaving helped Delhi FC win the Delhi Football League, Mali was loaned to Aizawl FC for the 2021–22 I-League.[10]
References
edit- ^ "I-League 2 - Nikhil Mali Signs For FC Bengaluru United". 20 February 2023. Archived from the original on 22 April 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ Maithilesh, Aryalok (11 January 2022). "Nikhil Mali: 'The journey has just begun and I still have a lot to achieve'". Football Counter. Archived from the original on 22 April 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ "You have to give your best to every game: Nikhil Mali". punemirror.com. 10 April 2022. Archived from the original on 22 April 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ "Durand Cup 2021: FC Goa thrash Delhi FC 5-1 to enter semifinals". www.sportskeeda.com. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ "12 teams fulfil criteria, 10 get nod for I-League Qualifiers". The Times of India. 31 August 2021. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 30 August 2021. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ "Hero I-League Qualifiers". Archived from the original on 6 October 2021. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ Bangde, Arjun. "Fast, exciting and technical – welcome to Hero Futsal Club Championship". Football Counter. Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
- ^ Dias, Shayne. "Nikhil Mali - The undisputed star of the Futsal Club Championship". Sportslumo. Archived from the original on 16 November 2021. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- ^ Release, Press (20 February 2023). "Minerva Academy win Futsal Club Championship". thebridge.in. Archived from the original on 22 April 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ "Want to set an example for young players from Pune, says Aizawl FC new boy Nikhil Mali". Hero I-League. Archived from the original on 12 December 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2021.