Delhi-based winger Fahad Temuri has taken another significant step in his football journey, making his official debut for Moixent CF in Spain’s sixth division last weekend. For Temuri, the appearance was more than just a match. It was the culmination of years of persistence, setbacks, and an unwavering belief in chasing his dream beyond Indian shores.
Football, for Fahad, was never a choice, it was destiny. Coming from a strong footballing lineage, the game has been part of his life from the very beginning. His grandfather represented India at the highest level, while his father enjoyed a prolific career, featuring in major tournaments such as the Durand Cup, IFA Shield and Santosh Trophy for Delhi Railways; even finishing as the Durand Cup’s top scorer.
“Growing up in such a family, I always felt a responsibility to carry the name forward,” Fahad says. “Football has always been in my blood.”
His structured football journey began with Delhi Dynamos’ youth system, where he featured across I-League U-13, U-15 and U-18 competitions, while also representing Delhi at U-14, U-17 and U-19 levels. A major breakthrough came when Ranjit Bajaj scouted him for Delhi FC, handing him a Durand Cup debut before he had even turned 16.
Playing against established sides such as Kerala Blasters, FC Goa, Bengaluru FC and Indian Navy at such a young age proved to be a defining phase. “Those opportunities built my confidence massively,” he recalls. “Delhi FC shaped me not just as a footballer, but as a person.”
Fahad went on to represent Delhi FC across the Second Division, I-League and multiple Durand Cup campaigns, before later joining Mohammedan Sporting Club. While the Kolkata giants offered an electric atmosphere and passionate support, the winger felt an urge to push himself further.
“I always dreamed of playing abroad,” he says. “I felt international exposure would help me grow both on and off the pitch.”
With support from his agent, King Sports Management, Fahad received his first overseas opportunity with Silla CF in Spain’s fifth division. However, the journey was far from smooth. Visa hurdles became one of the toughest battles of his career, with two rejections before he finally secured a short three-month tourist visa following an interview at the Spanish Embassy.
Despite the uncertainty, the stint proved life-changing. “Playing overseas taught me discipline, resilience and independence,” Fahad explains. “Competing in different cultures and environments helped me understand football at a global level.”
During his time in Spain, a Dutch club official noticed Temuri and invited him for trials with VV Noordwijk in the Netherlands’ third division. Fahad impressed with their U-23 side, but once again visa and financial challenges forced a return home.
The setback, however, did not break his resolve. Soon after, another Spanish club—Moixent CF—came calling. Fahad decided to take the leap once more, returning to Spain despite international transfer delays that initially kept him out of official matches. With his paperwork now complete, he finally made his competitive debut last weekend.
“My aim is to continue here, prove my abilities and show the world that Indian footballers are far more capable than people think,” Fahad says.
Through all those highs and lows, one constant has remained—his father’s belief. “He’s been my biggest hero and supporter,” Fahad adds. “Along with the support from back home, that belief drives me every single day.”
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