Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia has been one of the most talked-about Indian strikers in recent times. The 23-year-old from Mizoram grabbed headlines with his record-breaking performance in the 2023–24 I-League season, where he netted 15 goals and provided 3 assists — the highest-ever goal tally by an Indian in a single I-League campaign, surpassing legends like Sunil Chhetri (2013–14) and Mohammed Rafi (2009–10). His red-hot form earned him a call-up to the national camp and a reputation as one of India’s most promising forwards.
Now, having followed it up with another strong outing for Aizawl FC in the 2024–25 season, where he scored 12 crucial goals, Lalbiaknia is ready for the next step: making his mark in the Indian Super League (ISL) with North East United FC.
“The ISL is a step up… but I’m excited for the challenge”
After dominating in the I-League, expectations are sky-high. But Lalbiaknia isn’t fazed by the pressure. In fact, he embraces it.
“There’s definitely more attention and expectations now after the I-League season, but I look at it positively,” he says. “The ISL is a step up — it’s faster, more physical and more tactical — but I am excited for the challenge. I’ve been working hard to improve all aspects of my game, and I am confident that I can contribute in the same way or even more. I don’t want to just prove that I can score; I want to prove that I belong at this level and can help my team win.”
“It was God’s plan I joined NorthEast United”
Interestingly, Lalrinzuala almost ended up at another top ISL club. Just before the I-League exploded for him, he had a shot at Mohun Bagan — but fate had other plans.
“It wasn’t a trial at Mohun Bagan; rather, it was a medical,” he recalls. “I was going through a tough phase, trying to recover from an injury, but I couldn’t recover in time. Now I feel that it was all part of God’s plan. After recovering, I had a great I-League season and scored some important goals. Joining NorthEast United wouldn’t have been possible had I passed that medical.”
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“Representing the Northeast is emotional for me”
For someone born and raised in Mizoram, playing for NorthEast United FC means much more than just professional progress.
“It means a lot to me and my people to represent a club that represents Northeast India,” he says with pride. “There’s a strong emotional connection with the people.”
More importantly, the club’s faith in young talent and the vision of coach Juan Pedro Benali played a key role in his decision.
“The coach and the club have a philosophy of trusting youth, and it’s a big plus,” says Lalbiaknia. “When you speak to the coach, you see how much he believes in you, the trust he has in you — and as a young player, that’s all you need. I feel that with Benali and the entire coaching staff, NorthEast United is the right place for me to grow, learn and perform.”
Targeting consistency, not just goals
While fans and analysts will be eager to see if he can replicate his goal-scoring form in the ISL, Lalbiaknia is more focused on consistency and team contribution.
“The team always comes first,” he says. “That’s the first and foremost goal — be it contributing with goals, assists or work off the ball. Of course, I have some targets in mind in terms of minutes, goals and assists, but more importantly, consistency and being someone the coach can rely on are primary targets. I want to make my ISL debut count and build from there.”
“An honour to be compared to Chhetri and Rafi”
Having already surpassed the single-season I-League records of two Indian greats, comparisons are inevitable — but Lalbiaknia remains grounded.
“It’s a huge honour to be mentioned in the same sentence as the likes of Sunil Chhetri and Mohammed Rafi,” he says. “They’ve had long and successful careers and have made Indian football what it is today. So, it’s surreal. But I’ve just taken the first step. I believe a new generation of Indian strikers is coming through, and I hope to be a part of it — a generation that can compete at the highest level and inspire the next one.”
Learning from the best
At NorthEast United, Lalrinzuala will share the frontline with Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who had a stellar 2024–25 ISL season. For a young striker, it’s the perfect learning environment.
“Ajaraie had a record-breaking season,” says Lalbiaknia. “His movement, finishing, and ability to link up play are world-class. I’m looking forward to training and playing alongside him. There’s so much I can learn from him, and I hope we can develop a strong understanding on the pitch.”
With sharp finishing, intelligent movement, and a humble yet ambitious mindset, Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia is more than ready to write the next chapter in his career.
Also Read: Could Lalrinzuala be Indian football’s next shooting star?