Over the last few days, there have been multiple reports about Tiger Shroff, the popular Bollywood movie star, playing football for Mumbai Premier League side Mumbay FC. Whoever follows Shroff on social media, or even personally, knows how passionate he is about football. A lot of his social media posts are about amateur football on the Mumbai turf.
However, to play professional football, especially in a league like the Mumbai Premier League (formerly MFA Elite Division League), one has to have some talent and ability to match the standards. The talk among the football lovers was about the details of the deal and where it is headed – a Bollywood star as a professional footballer.
To understand the whole scenario, RevSportz reached out to the Mumbay FC management. The club director, Zoheb Khan, head coach, Asim Hassan, and player-cum-assistant coach, Joe Paul Bence, in a freewheeling chat, revealed the details of this deal. This is how the conversation went.
There’s been a lot of social media buzz and articles about Tiger Shroff playing professional football in the Mumbai League. We’ve seen him play recreationally before, but this is quite new. Can you tell us the story behind this?
Zoheb: Actually, I am the head coach of a celebrity football team that includes actors, cricketers, TV anchors, and other renowned personalities. I noticed that Tiger has a special gift for football. He stands out even when playing with other professionals, such as ISL and I-League players. He started training more seriously, not just on weekends, but also on weekdays. I saw his potential as a professional and suggested he try playing professionally.
Tiger was supportive, passionate, and committed, so we arranged a few practice matches. In those games, he performed outstandingly, even against elite players. I knew he’d make a big impact when he stepped on to the field as a professional. This is an example for others, showing that if you’re hungry and willing to put in the work, you can pursue your passion, no matter when you start.
As the coach, what’s it like to manage a superstar like Tiger, who is widely recognised in Bollywood? Is he different from other players in any way, and is it challenging?
Hassan: To be honest, I already knew about his skills from training sessions. I had no doubts that he’d be dangerous on the field. Managing him was straightforward, actually. We planned around his strengths and organised the team’s formation accordingly. Tiger is very passionate about football, and he didn’t bring any extra pressure with him. He’s humble, listens to instructions, and gets along well with the team. He’s just like any other player when he’s on the field, without any special treatment or attitude.
Can you share more about how he fits in with the team? Did he bring an entourage, or was it just him?
Zoheb: No, actually, he arrived with minimal fuss – just his driver and a single attendant. He was like any other player. In fact, we had to arrange extra security ourselves, given his fame. But he was incredibly down-to-earth, even taking time to interact with fans and opponents. He’s approachable and very supportive, making it clear he’s there to play and enjoy the game, not for any special treatment.
From a coach’s perspective, what’s it like working with someone known for another profession? Is he difficult to coach, or does he integrate well with the team?
Hassan: Nothing difficult at all. He’s a very humble person, and he listens like any other player. There’s no celebrity attitude. He’s open and cooperative with the team, and he’s very passionate about the game, which makes him a joy to coach.
Since you’re also a player, what was it like sharing the dressing room with Tiger? How did you prepare for the game together?
Bence: I’ll just share my experience. He was right beside me in the dressing room, and he immediately started asking about the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, like a true professional. He wanted to mentally prepare for the game by learning about the right-back, left-winger, and other players. During the game, he was a spectacle – every time he got the ball, he created magic. My professional friends who watched the game couldn’t believe he wasn’t already a full-time footballer. He fits right in with our squad.
Do you see this as a long-term partnership with Tiger, or is it more of a casual, whenever-available setup?
Zoheb: Honestly, it’s more casual. He’s joining us mainly out of his love for the game and as a friend. We don’t have any long-term plans or expectations. Whenever he’s in town, he’s welcome to join us. He even attends our training sessions twice a week, which helps us plan and prepare. But it’s more about his passion for football and support for us than anything formal.
Do you think Tiger has the potential to play at an even higher level, such as I-League or ISL?
Hassan: If he weren’t an actor, I would already be calling to sign him. He’s that good. His style is unique – he’s right-footed but can cut in like a left-footer, which is rare. He’s got qualities you see in top-level players. Even when he’s on the field, he’s a constant threat to the other team.
How have the other players reacted to playing alongside him?
Bence: They see him as a team player and a valuable teammate, not just a superstar. He’s fully integrated with the team, and there’s a real give-and-take on the field. He supports us, and we play to his strengths. We all enjoy having him around.
Given his fame, how has having Tiger in the league impacted its visibility and the club’s exposure?
Zoheb: Absolutely, the visibility is tremendous. I’m getting calls from all over India – from Punjab, Kashmir, Odisha – asking about the league and our club. Tiger’s involvement brings eyes to Mumbai football. Our players are getting noticed, and scouts are showing interest, which can only benefit them. It’s a huge responsibility but also a fantastic opportunity to showcase our local talent.
