It’s Kolkata derby day. Ask any football fan in the country, and they will agree that this is the biggest match in Indian football. With a century-old heritage, this iconic clash transcends football emotions – it’s about roots, identity and loyalty. Naturally, with such a rich history comes great responsibility for the players involved. The pressure from fans is immense – everyone is always under media scrutiny.
However, this Saturday, while all the players and coaches will be under pressure, one player will feel it the most – East Bengal’s No. 4, Anwar Ali. Central to one of the most controversial transfer deals in Indian football history, Anwar will be in the spotlight in today’s clash.
When Anwar steps off the team bus or walks through the tunnel in East Bengal jersey, his heart is bound to race. There’s nearly a Rs 40 crore price tag to his name, and he will be facing the team with whom he previously won silverware.
Back in 2000, when Portuguese legend Luis Figo moved to Real Madrid on a record fee of €62 million from arch-rivals FC Barcelona, he was greeted with hostility at the Nou Camp during El Clásico.
Furious Barcelona fans, holding placards with dollar signs, hurled abuse at their former star. Lighters, whiskey bottles, plastic bottles, coins, and most bizarrely, a pig’s head were thrown onto the pitch. Every time Figo took the ball for a corner, the noise level rose. Francesc Arnau, a member of the Barcelona squad that evening, reflected in a CNN report: “Never have I heard Camp Nou with this sound against one man.”
🚨 #KolkataDerby Showdown: Will #EastBengal break their losing streak or will #MohunBagan continue their dominance?
What welcome will #AnwarAli receive against his former side? @RohanDC98 previews #EBFCMBSG in @IndSuperLeague 2024-25.https://t.co/ZAplVaYULC
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) October 19, 2024
In several RevSportz Live discussions about the Anwar Ali saga, there were mentions of giving him a ‘Luis Figo treatment’ at the derby.
It’s not uncommon in world football for players to switch between rival clubs. Zlatan Ibrahimović wore both Milan jerseys. Carlos Tevez represented both Manchester United and Manchester City. Many more have crossed similar divides. In India, the legendary Bhaichung Bhutia played for both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan and is still loved by both sets of fans. But for Figo, the situation was different. His transfer was labelled a “betrayal” by the fans – accusing him and his agent, José Veiga.
Figo was a heartthrob of the Calatan giants, their captain who won them the Copa del Rey in 1998 and dyed his hair in the Barcelona colours. His move to Madrid for a humongous transfer fee was not acceptable to the fans.
The word “betrayal” has been echoed by Mohun Bagan fans on social media and forums in response to Anwar’s transfer. While today’s security measures prevent fans from bringing dangerous items into the stands, the Bagan faithful will undoubtedly be vocal whenever he touches the ball.
This is certain to pile pressure on Anwar, but former player Mehtab Hossain, who has experienced multiple derbies and played for both teams, told RevSportz: “Anwar is a professional, and I believe he will focus solely on the game and deliver for his team. Any chants will likely fuel his motivation to perform better.”
This match will be a true test of Anwar’s resilience and professionalism. Players often claim they treat derbies like any other game, but it will surely stir something in the Indian defender as he steps onto the pitch for yet another Kolkata derby, this time wearing a different colour.