Kerala’s Muhammad Suhail has been one of the brightest sparks in Indian football’s youth circuit this year. The 20-year-old forward made headlines at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, first with a dazzling solo strike against Bahrain — an ankle-breaker that went viral — and then with a towering header against Qatar that showcased his versatility and composure.
Although India narrowly missed out on qualification after a late Qatari comeback in the final group fixture, Suhail’s performances won hearts across the country. “I feel very happy because it’s been a long time since I scored a goal in a big game. Playing for India and scoring that goal, it means a lot to me,” Suhail said, reflecting on his equalizer against Qatar.
India’s spirited run ended in heartbreak, but for Suhail, the tournament was the springboard to something bigger. When he returned to his village in Kerala, he was given a hero’s welcome. Neighbours celebrated his homecoming, and Suhail admitted it was an emotional moment. “My parents didn’t say much, but I could see it in their eyes — how proud they were,” he said.
The biggest reward, however, awaited him soon after. Suhail has now been named in Khalid Jamil’s 30-man probable list for the Indian senior team, ahead of October’s AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. He is one of nine U-23 players to have earned a call-up.
“I’m incredibly excited and grateful for this opportunity to join the senior national team camp. It’s a huge step forward in my career, and I’m looking forward to giving my best every single day and learning as much as I can,” Suhail told RevSportz.
“Dream to Share the Pitch with Sunil Bhai”
For Suhail, the senior camp also offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to share the pitch with his idol, Sunil Chhetri. “It’s a dream come true to be on the same pitch as Sunil bhai. He’s been an inspiration for every young footballer in India, including me, and I’m really looking forward to learning from him and gaining from his experience.”
From Defender to Winger: A Journey of Transition
Interestingly, Suhail’s journey did not begin as a forward. “Whenever I went for trials, I always played as a centre-back,” he recalled. “Back in my hometown too, I used to play as a centre-back or sometimes as a wing-back. I even got selected in Punjab as a centre-back.”
It was an Italian coach, Niccolò, who spotted his potential as an attacker during the U-13 stage. “At that time, I was physically a bit slim, so he felt I couldn’t continue as a centre-back. I used to run a lot even as a defender, so he tried me as a striker. I ended up playing as a No. 9 for about two years before my U-18 coach started using me as a winger. That’s where I’ve settled now.”
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The Punjab FC Chapter
Suhail credits much of his growth to Punjab FC, where he has spent the past five years. “I have to thank Punjab FC a lot. I’ve been there for about five years now, and it feels like home to me—almost like a second home. I spent four years in the youth setup and one year with the senior team. I really have to thank everyone at the club; they’ve helped me a lot.”
While he has already shown flashes of brilliance in the ISL, Suhail is yet to open his scoring account. That remains his next big target. “My next goal is to do well in the ISL. I want to score goals as I am yet to score in the league. I hope so. I think I just need to perform there the same way I did here. If I perform well, I believe I’ll get the game time.”
Looking Ahead
For now, Suhail’s focus is on making the most of his senior camp call-up. “I feel confident in my abilities and the work I’ve put in so far. I know it will take a lot of hard work and focus to secure my place in the main squad, but I’m ready to take on that challenge and prove myself.”
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