Anwar Ali (Punjabi: ਅਨਵਰ ਅਲੀ; born 28 August 2000) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for East Bengal and the India national football team.
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Anisa Anwar Ali | ||||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | 28 August 2000 | ||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Adampur, Punjab, India[1] | ||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)[2] | ||||||||||||||||
| Position(s) | Centre-back | ||||||||||||||||
| Team information | |||||||||||||||||
Current team | East Bengal | ||||||||||||||||
| Number | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
| Youth career | |||||||||||||||||
| 2015–2017 | Minerva Punjab | ||||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | |||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | ||||||||||||||
| 2017–2018 | Minerva Punjab | ||||||||||||||||
| 2017 | → Indian Arrows (loan) | 15 | (0) | ||||||||||||||
| 2018–2020 | Mumbai City | 0 | (0) | ||||||||||||||
| 2018–2019 | → Indian Arrows (loan) | 19 | (0) | ||||||||||||||
| 2020 | Mohammedan | ||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | Techtro Swades United | ||||||||||||||||
| 2021–2024 | Delhi | 7 | (4) | ||||||||||||||
| 2022–2023 | → Goa (loan) | 30 | (1) | ||||||||||||||
| 2023–2024 | → Mohun Bagan SG (loan) | 16 | (0) | ||||||||||||||
| 2024– | East Bengal | 7 | (1) | ||||||||||||||
| International career‡ | |||||||||||||||||
| 2015–2017 | India U17 | 8 | (0) | ||||||||||||||
| 2017–2019 | India U20 | 2 | (1) | ||||||||||||||
| 2019 | India U23 | 2 | (0) | ||||||||||||||
| 2022– | India | 23 | (1) | ||||||||||||||
Medal record
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*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 27 September 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 10 June 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
Club career
editBorn in Adampur, Punjab, Anwar started to play football at the age of seven for a local club. He started as a striker but later shifted to the defensive line.[3]
Minerva Punjab
editAnwar joined the youth set-up of Minerva Punjab in 2015 and played for the club in different youth level competitions, including the Elite League. His performance at the club earned him national team call-ups.[1]
Indian Arrows (loan)
editAfter an impressive 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign, Anwar joined Indian Arrows on a season-long loan from Minerva Punjab ahead of the 2017–18 I-League.[4] He made his professional debut in a 3–0 home win over Chennai City.[5]
Mumbai City
editOn 7 August 2018, Anwar joined Indian Super League club Mumbai City on a three-year deal.[6] He was loaned out to Indian Arrows for the 2018–19 I-League.[7] He was named in Mumbai City's squad for the 2019–20 Indian Super League season but later withdrew after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition.[8] Later, his contract was terminated on mutual terms and medical grounds.[9]
Mohammedan SC
editOn 24 August 2020, Anwar joined Mohammedan for their 2020 I-League Qualifiers,[9] but the AIFF directed the club no not allow him to train with the club, citing his heart condition. Mohammedan chose to release him, considering directions from the top football body, despite a verdict from the Delhi High Court that allowed him to join the club.[10]
Techtro Swades United
editOn 23 November 2020, Anwar joined Techtro Swades United of the Himachal Football League on a short-term contract.[11] He appeared twice for the club in the 2020 Himachal Football League.[12]
Delhi FC
editOn 21 May 2021, Anwar joined Delhi FC on five-year deal.[13][14] After being allowed by the AIFF to return to competitive football,[15] he featured in the 2021 Durand Cup and helped Delhi reach the knockout stage. He became the top scorer of the 2021 I-League Qualifiers with four goals from seven appearances.[16]
FC Goa
editOn 1 January 2022, Anwar joined Indian Super League club FC Goa on an eighteen-month loan from Delhi FC.[17] He made his debut in a 1–0 home win over Chennaiyin.[18]
Mohun Bagan Super Giant
editOn 13 July 2023, Anwar joined Mohun Bagan SG on a four-year loan from Delhi FC.[19][20]
East Bengal FC
editAnwar terminated his contract with Mohun Bagan SG on 8 July and after a controversial episode of tussle with the AIFF Players Status Committee (PSC) and his former team Mohun Bagan SG, Anwar finally received his No Objection Certificate (NOC) and joined East Bengal on a five year contract. Since his signing, he is evading his punishment by remaining absent from the Delhi High Court along with his lawyer and postponing his hearing every time.[21] Anwar made his debut for East Bengal on 22 September against Kerala Blasters away at Kochi.[22]
International career
editYouth level
editIn 2015, Anwar was called up for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup preparatory squad of India under-17 after head coach Luís Norton de Matos impressed with his defensive display for Minerva Punjab youth side against India U-17 in a practice match.[23] Two successful years with the national side saw him in the final 21-member squad for the U-17 World Cup, which was hosted in India[24] He started in all of India's group stage matches.[25]
Anwar scored the winner in India U-20's historic 2–1 win against Argentina U-20 in the 2018 COTIF Tournament.[26]
Senior debut
editIn May 2019, Anwar was called up for the India senior team national camp but was later sent back after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition.[27]
In March 2022, Anwar was called up for the India squad by coach Igor Štimac for two friendly matches against Bahrain and Belarus.[28][29] He made his debut on 23 March against Bahrain in a 2–1 defeat. Anwar scored his first international goal on 14 June 2022 against Hong Kong in a 4–0 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualification win.[30]
Personal life
editIn 2019, Anwar Ali was forbidden from playing football by the AIFF as he was diagnosed with a rare heart disease, namely Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle wall becomes abnormally thick and affects the pumping of blood. Later in 2021, Anwar got clearance from the AIFF to play following a Delhi High Court verdict.[31]
Career statistics
editClub
edit- As of May 2024[32]
| Club | Season | League | Cup[a] | AFC | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Minerva Punjab | 2017–18 | I-League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | ||
| Indian Arrows (loan) | 2017–18 | 15 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 16 | 0 | |||
| Mumbai City | 2018–19 | Indian Super League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2019–20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Indian Arrows (loan) | 2018–19 | I-League | 19 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 21 | 0 | ||
| Mohammedan | 2020–21 | I-League 2nd Division | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | ||
| Techtro Swades United | 2020–21 | Himachal Football League | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 2 | 0 | ||
| Delhi | 2021–22 | I-League 2nd Division | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — | 4[b] | 0 | 11 | 4 | |
| Goa (loan) | 2021–22 | Indian Super League | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 10 | 0 | ||
| 2022–23 | 20 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 22 | 1 | ||||
| Goa total | 30 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 32 | 1 | |||
| Mohun Bagan (loan) | 2023–24 | Indian Super League | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5[c] | 2 | 5[b] | 1 | 26 | 3 |
| East Bengal | 2024–25 | Indian Super League | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 2 | 0 | ||
| Career total | 75 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 89 | 8 | ||
International
edit- As of 10 June 2024[33]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 2022 | 8 | 1 |
| 2023 | 10 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 4 | 0 | |
| Total | 22 | 1 | |
International goals
edit- Scores and results list India's goal tally first
| No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 14 June 2022 | Salt Lake Stadium | 6 |  Hong Kong |
1–0 | 4–0 | 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualification | [30] |
Honours
editMohun Bagan
- Durand Cup: 2023
- Indian Super League Premiership: 2023–24
India
References
edit- ^ a b Mullick, Sudipto (3 August 2017). "FIFA U-17 World Cup: How defender Anwar Ali went from being a small-town boy to making India dream". Sportskeeda. Archived from the original on 10 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
- ^ "Anwar Ali profile". Indian Super League. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
- ^ Vinayak S. Pai (27 September 2017). "FIFA U-17 World Cup Indian team stars: 10 things to know about defensive mainstay Anwar Ali". Sportskeeda. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
- ^ "Matos Names 25-member Indian Arrows Squad for Hero I-league 2017-18". the-aiff.com. 29 November 2017. Archived from the original on 17 June 2018. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
- ^ "Indian Arrows 3-0 Chennai City". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 17 June 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
- ^ @MumbaiCityFC (7 August 2018). "Young defender Anwar Ali, who scored a spectacular free-kick in the India U20s win against Argentina U20, has joined us on a 3 year deal from Minerva Punjab" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Mehrish, Akshat (8 August 2018). "I-League 2018: Mumbai City FC agree to loan newly-signed Anwar Ali to Indian Arrows for the upcoming season". Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
- ^ Burad, Anushree (20 October 2019). "Anwar Ali withdraws from Mumbai City FC after being diagnosed with heart problem". thebridge.in. Archived from the original on 10 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
- ^ a b "Anwar Ali ready to make a comeback, signs for Mohammedan SC". Sportstar. 24 August 2020. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
- ^ Selvaraj, Jonathan (2 October 2020). "Blow for Anwar Ali as Mohammedan Sporting say player no longer contracted to club". espn.in. Archived from the original on 10 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
- ^ Mohamed, Farzan (23 November 2020). "Former Mumbai City FC defender Anwar Ali, diagnosed with rare heart condition, signs for Techtro Swades United FC". Sportskeeda. Archived from the original on 10 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
- ^ Sharma, Nitin (6 December 2020). "Adamant Anwar Ali willing to take chances on return to the football field". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
- ^ @Delhi_FC (21 May 2021). "A WARRIOR HAS ARRIVED!! And we don't think he needs any introduction. His game speaks volumes of what he's made of" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Anwar Ali Defender". the-aiff.com. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
- ^ Selvaraj, Jonathan (27 August 2021). "AIFF allows Anwar Ali to return to competitive football". espn.in. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
- ^ "Looking to do well in the ISL and play again for India, vows Anwar Ali". Khel Now. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
- ^ ""I have been waiting a long time for this day" - Anwar Ali elated after officially joining FC Goa". Sportskeeda. 1 January 2022. Archived from the original on 8 January 2022. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
- ^ "Goa vs. Chennaiyin - 8 January 2022". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 18 December 2021. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
- ^ "Mohun Bagan signs India defender Anwar Ali". The Hindu. 9 July 2023. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
- ^ "Anwar signs Rs 11 crore deal with ATK Mohun Bagan". The Times of India. 18 January 2023. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
- ^ Bhattacharya, Neeladri (19 September 2024). "Anwar Ali officially free to play for East Bengal FC after getting NOC". Sportstar. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
- ^ Stan, Rayan (22 September 2024). "ISL 2024-25: Peprah spoils East Bengal's party, earns 2-1 win for Kerala Blasters in Kochi". Sportstar. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ Bali, Rahul (27 September 2021). "Anwar Ali: India U17's six feet plus tall central defender". goal.com. Archived from the original on 10 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
- ^ "2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup: India announce final 21-member squad". goal.com. 21 September 2017. Archived from the original on 10 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
- ^ "Anwar Ali: The man who came back from the abyss". www.the-aiff.com. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
- ^ "COTIF Cup 2018: 10-man India U20 garner memorable win over Argentina U20". goal.com. 6 August 2018. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
- ^ Vasavda, Mihir (3 September 2020). "Football star Anwar's career on pause, his family faces tough medical call". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
- ^ Desai, Shail (23 March 2022). "Anwar Ali: From football ban to the Indian national squad". www.aljazeera.com. Al-Jazeera News. Archived from the original on 23 March 2022. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
- ^ "7 new faces as Stimac names final list of 25 for friendlies in Bahrain". the-aiff.com. All India Football Federation. 21 March 2022. Archived from the original on 23 March 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
- ^ a b "India 4–0 Hong Kong". int.Soccerway.com. 14 June 2022. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023.
- ^ BAPARNASH, TRIDIB (15 June 2022). "Braving heart condition, Anwar Ali finally sizzles in India colors". espn.in. Archived from the original on 15 June 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
- ^ Anwar Ali at Soccerway
- ^ "Anwar Ali". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
Further reading
edit- Jaison, Anson (17 June 2023). "Minerva Academy Revolutionizes Indian Football with New Residential Program at Bengaluru SAI Facility". halfwayfootball.com. Halfway Football India. Archived from the original on 17 June 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2023.
