Jerry Lalrinzuala

Jerry Lalrinzuala is a professional footballer of Indian origin, who plays for both Chennaiyin FC and Indian national team in the left back position. Hailing from Mizoram, he took up football when he was five years old. His father, who was a footballer himself in Army teams, and mother were not supportive of his interest and wanted him to attend college instead.

But with his determination, he went behind their back and went on to join AIFF regional center in Kolkata. With his skills, he quickly rose through the rankings to eventually join AIFF Elite Academy in 2012. He has represented India throughout his youth while he was in the AIFF academy, starting from U-14. He later joined Bethlehem Vengthlang of the Mizoram Premier League before being noticed by Chennaiyin FC for his outstanding performance.

In 2016, Lalrinzuala was one of the five, who were sent to attend training camp in France with the Metz and was signed by Chennaiyin FC later that year. His debut match for the FC was in October 2016 on their first match of ISL, against Kolkata, as a substitute for Nallappan Mohanraj in the 73rd minute. On his 3rd match for the club against Goa, his exceptional performance earned him his first Emerging Player of the Match award. In a game against Pune City, Lalrinzuala got his first assist.

He received his second Emerging Player of the Match award in a fixture against Kerala Blasters. By the finale of ISL, he acquired two more awards and lots of praises along with Emerging Player of the Season award. Jerry was on loan to DSK Shivajians for the I-League after his debut season with FC. On the club’s first match against Mohun Bagan, Lalrinzuala played his debut match.

After the team’s exit in the group stages, he returned to FC, as his loan period was over. Seeing his performance for both clubs, National team head coach, Stephan Constantine, called him up to the senior squad. FC retained Jerry for the 2017-18 season. During this season, he earned two more emerging Player of the Match awards with his stellar performance.

In the match against Pune City, he received his first Hero of the Match award. In the season finale, he once again received Emerging Player of the Match award, making it his first silverware in his career. Currently, Lalrinzuala is part of the squad that is attending the national camp ahead of friendly matches with China and Asian Cup.