Following the death of Mohammed Habib, AIFF and numerous ISL clubs expressed their respect for the legend, who was known as India’s first professional football player due to his dedication towards the game, know his biography and age
Mohammed Habib began coaching in 1982, and he is famous for influencing the careers of numerous football players who went on to represent India. He began his coaching career at the Jamshedpur-based Tata Football Academy before moving on to lead Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting.
Mohammed Habib ex-India football team captain passes away, death reason, biography, age, wife, career stats
He was 74 and suffering from dementia and Parkinson’s syndrome for the last couple of years and is survived by his wife and three daughters.
Born: 17 July 1949
Died: 15 August 2023
Nationality: Indian
Sports: Football
Saddened by the demise of Indian Football legend and Arjuna Awardee Mohammed Habib.
A true stalwart and an exceptional attacking midfielder, he graced the field with unparalleled skills, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. His pivotal role in India's 1970 Asian Games bronze… pic.twitter.com/zdrTSrTEjj
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) August 16, 2023
How Mohammed Habib contributed to Indian Men’s Football Team?
On Tuesday, former Indian Men’s Football Team captain Mohammed Habib, who led the country to win bronze medal in the 1970 Bangkok Asian Games, passed away at his home in Hyderabad. It is reported that the 74-year-old legend had been battling Parkinson’s disease and dementia since last few years. Throughout the years, Habib was supported by his wife and three daughters.
Mohammed Habib, who was born in Hyderabad on July 17, 1949, made his debut for the Indian squad during 1967 Merdeka Cup match against Thailand. He then became India’s captain and participated in 35 international games, scoring 11 goals. Mohammed Habib was a crucial member of the Indian football squad at the 1970 Bangkok Asian Games, where India defeated Japan 1-0 to take home the bronze medal.
Since then, the Indian football team has failed to win any medals at the prestigious continental championship. In 1975, Habib participated in his final international game for India and received the Arjuna Award for his football accomplishments.
Know about honors & achievements of Mohammed Habib
In 1966, Mohammed Habib moved away from Hyderabad to join Kolkata based club East Bengal. Prior to retiring in 1982, he played for Mohammedan Sporting and Mohun Bagan during the following twenty years. Mohammed Habib was known as the “Bade Miya” of Kolkata football and was known for his propensity for scoring in crucial games. In Bengal’s 6-1 victory over Services in the 1969 Santosh Trophy final, he set a record by scoring five goals.
Mohammed Habib was an East Bengal player for seven seasons, and in three Durand Cup finals, he scored the game-winning goals. He captured the triple crown (IFA Shield, Durand Cup, and Rovers Cup) in 1972 with East Bengal as well as in 1977 while representing Mohun Bagan. Throughout his career Habib won the IFA Shield four times, the Rovers Cup seven times, the Durand Cup five times, the Calcutta Football League ten times, the Santosh Trophy five times, & the Federation Cup twice.
During 1977, the playmaker represented Mohun Bagan in their friendly encounter against New York Cosmos at Eden Gardens, which included great Pele playing for the American team. In addition to contributing to the 2-2 draw with a goal, Habib won the Brazilian legend’s admiration for his tenacity and resolve.