NorthEast United FC midfielder Macarton Louis Nickson has been called up to the national team camp ahead of the much-anticipated AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers opener against Bangladesh. Macarton, the son of former Indian international footballer Lewis Nickson, dreamt of following in his father’s footsteps, and that dream has now turned into reality.
Following Brendon Fernandes’ unavailability for the Bangladesh game due to the injury he suffered in the friendly against the Maldives, head coach Manolo Marquez had to search for a replacement. Trusting in the abilities of the 20-year-old midfielder, who admires Brendon Fernandes’ playstyle and draws inspiration from his game, Manolo handed Macarton his first senior national team call-up.
While big names like Alaedinne Ajairae, Jithin MS, and Nestor Albiach have garnered most of the praise for NorthEast United’s success this season, one player who has flown under the radar is Macarton Louis Nickson.
Hailing from Karnataka, the 20-year-old has played a crucial role in NorthEast United’s strong campaign. With 2 goals and 1 assist in 20 appearances this ISL, Macarton has established himself as a dominant presence in the midfield. Despite his lean physique, he fearlessly takes on challenges and duels, even against physically stronger opponents.
Born to a former national team footballer, Macarton never lacked inspiration. “Football is in my genes, to be honest,” Macarton said to RevSportz with a proud smile. “My father was an international footballer, and through him, both my brother and I became football players. During our childhood, we didn’t play any other games apart from football. It was in our blood, so choosing football as a career was very easy for me.”
Unlike many of his peers, Macarton had the unwavering support of his parents to pursue his footballing dreams. “They supported me a lot, unlike others who were pushed towards studies,” he said. “They allowed me to make my own decisions and encouraged me to play football.”
A product of Bengaluru FC’s youth academy, Macarton’s dream started to take shape when he received a call-up to the national team’s youth squad.
“Getting a call-up for the national team was a dream come true for me,” he recalled. He also had the opportunity to represent Indian Arrows in the I-League. The Indian Arrows project provided a platform for the country’s best U-19 footballers to compete against senior teams. Under the guidance of former Indian footballer and Arrows coach, Shanmugam Venkatesh, Macarton gained invaluable experience.
“Playing under Venkatesh sir was great for me,” he said. “He speaks the same language as me, and since he’s from Bangalore, he has been watching me play since childhood.”
A major turning point in Macarton’s career came when he secured an ISL contract with NorthEast United. The move was largely influenced by NorthEast United’s CEO Mandar Tamhane and assistant coach Naushad Moosa—both of whom had previously been with Bengaluru FC and were familiar with Macarton’s potential.
“Naushad Moosa sir, Mandar sir, and Rohit sir played a big role in bringing me here,” said Macarton. “Moosa sir explained the project to me and convinced me to take this step. I was really excited to join NorthEast United.”
Under head coach Juan Pedro Benali, Macarton has continued to develop as both a player and a person.
“To me, he’s like a mentor, a father, and a friend,” Macarton said about the Spanish coach. “Off the field, he guides me on what’s right and wrong and always pushes me in the right direction.”
He also draws inspiration from some of the best players in the world. “I look up to Luka Modric and Neymar—I really like these two players,” he shared. “Closer to home, I admire FC Goa’s Brandon Fernandes. I like the way he plays, so I look up to him too.”
At just 20, Macarton has already displayed immense potential. His ultimate goal has always been to follow in his father’s footsteps and represent India at the senior level.
“Playing for the national team is not easy,” he acknowledged. “I know I have to work much harder. If I get a call-up, I’ll give my best in the upcoming matches. It’s a tough challenge, but nothing is impossible.”
And now, that dream has finally come true. The midfielder has earned his debut call-up to the Blue Tigers camp in Shillong. It remains to be seen if Manolo Marquez will hand Macarton his first appearance in the national team jersey against Bangladesh. With Brendon Fernandes unavailable, there’s a real possibility that the young midfielder could get his much-awaited senior debut.
Whatever the outcome, this experience will be invaluable for Macarton. Training alongside some of the country’s finest footballers will only help him grow, and he will undoubtedly return to his club with a wealth of experience and memories to cherish.