Kerala shows its uniqueness in every perspective when it compares to other states of India. Its recent milestones in Education, health system, Politics, and cinema shows Kerala can even compete with some of the europian countries. Like this, Kerala got a special uniqueness when it comes to their love of football. Yeah !! Mallus aka Malayalees are crazy about football. Literally they go at any level to show their support to their iconic players, clubs, or countries. The flexes, flags, and huge cut-outs during the FIFA World cup/Euro Cup/Copa America surely make you wonder that Malayalees affection with football is beyond your imagination.
Sevens football tournaments are the one usually occurs in almost all areas in Kerala. It gathers thousands of football addicts and followers which bring up its spirit and oneness. It started to happen in 1970. People flocks from every corner and tickets get sold out very easily during the seasons. Every year there are 400-500 unregistered tournaments occur in Kerala. unbelievable right?? Malabar, the northern part of Kerala famous for its football passion which is well known to the state and abroad. Kerala sevens football association (KSFA)founded in 1982 having 32 registered clubs majorly from the Malabar area and they conduct around 80 tournaments annually. These clubs are owned by small scale business people who are football enthusiasts. You can spot players from Sudan, Nigeria, Ghana, and other countries in these local tournaments. These tournaments occur twice a year majorly in Malappuram and Kozhikode areas. Kerala’s fanbase for their iconic clubs and nations in respective social media pages is commendable. Interestingly you can see a lot of people in Santhosh trophy matches in Kerala than Ranji cricket tournaments here.
Kerala Blasters, the club representing Kerala already made an eye struck among football authorities around the globe due to its huge fans crowd. The Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Kochi recorded as the fifth loudest crowd (128 dB) during the 2016 ISL match. Standing in the middle of more than sixty thousand energetic people who cheering and drumming rhythmically during the Kerala blasters match is a breathtaking experience you ever gonna have. A lot of Malayalam movies have been made based on the football craze of Kerala. Sudani from Nigeria, the mallu movie which shows the football culture of Malappuram district won many awards at the national and international levels.
Contribution to Indian football from Kerala’s side is admirable. FC Kochin was the first professional football club in India. IM Vijayan the iconic player awarded Indian player of the year three times(1991,1992,1993). T Abdul Rahman made his debut against Russia in 1955. Jo paul Anjeri was the former’ Indian football captain who leads India in its several appearances. CK Vineeth, the former striker of Kerala blasters made his international debut against Palestine in 2013, Sandesh Jingan, Anas Edathodika, Sahal Abdul Samad, Pradeep Pappachan and Sandeep Nandy are the other known Kerala players who represented Indian football team. Kerala football team, founded in 1948 won Santhosh trophy six times and appeared 14 times in finals.
A Glimpse of Football passion in Kerala
Present-day Kerala witnessing an increased number of tournaments and its passion in school, college, and corporate levels. The recent surge in turf grounds in every part of the place clearly shows that Malayalees affection with football is flying into more levels and heights