Several football stars have visited India, creating a buzz among fans. The top five include Lionel Messi, who visited for a promotional event, Cristiano Ronaldo, who came for business purposes, Ronaldinho, who participated in charity matches, David Beckham, who visited for brand endorsements, and Neymar, who attended an event promoting football’s growth in the country.
5. Thierry Henry
During the 2016-2017 Indian Super League (ISL) season, French football legend Thierry Henry visited India for a brief two-day trip. At the time, he was serving as the assistant coach of the Belgian national team. Henry attended an ISL match between Atletico de Kolkata and Mumbai City FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium, soaking in the action of Indian football.
In addition to the match, the former World Cup winner participated in a grassroots football event in collaboration with Arsenal Soccer School and Reliance Foundation Young Champs, further engaging with the development of the sport in India.
Reflecting on Indian football in 2016, Henry shared his thoughts on the impact of international stars in the league. He emphasized, “It helps massively when you have such people in the league. What helps more is if you can develop young Indian players who can play alongside these footballing greats and learn about the game.” His comments highlighted the importance of nurturing local talent and fostering a learning environment through exposure to global footballing icons.
4. Ronaldinho
The legendary Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho visited India in October 2023 for a two-day trip. On October 16, the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner inaugurated a branch of his R10 academy in Merlin Rise, Rajarhat, Kolkata. During his visit, the World Cup-winning winger also had the honor of inaugurating the Sreebhumi Durga Puja Pandal in Kolkata, where he participated in the aarti of the main deity.
Although it was his first trip to Kolkata, Ronaldinho had previously visited India. In 2017, he played in the Premier Futsal tournament for Goa, where he showcased his skills by scoring five goals in a match against Bengaluru. His return to India in 2023 was a significant moment for his fans, as he continues to be a beloved figure in the world of football, both for his skill on the field and his contributions to the sport off it.
3. Pelé
On September 24, 1977, football legend Pelé, playing for New York Cosmos, made a historic visit to Kolkata for a friendly match against Mohun Bagan, one of India’s oldest football clubs. The game, held at Eden Gardens—a stadium primarily known for cricket—captured the city’s football passion, drawing over 80,000 fans, with many more gathering outside to catch a glimpse of the Brazilian superstar.
At 37, Pelé had already won three World Cups, and the atmosphere at Eden Gardens was charged with excitement as fans waved banners and chanted in his honor. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Mohun Bagan’s stars, including Shyam Thapa and Subrata Bhattacharya, holding the New York Cosmos. While Pelé, showing signs of age, didn’t score, his presence alone left the crowd in awe.
This unforgettable visit is a cherished moment in Kolkata’s football legacy. Pelé returned to India twice more, in 2015 and 2018, as the chief guest for the Subroto Cup and other events organized by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), solidifying his lasting connection with the city’s football culture.
2. Diego Maradona
Nicknamed El Pibe de Oro (The Golden Boy), Maradona visited India three times in his lifetime and wooed fans and spectators alike in the process. His first trip was a two-day visit to India’s football capital, Kolkata in 2008, where he inaugurated the Indian Football School in Maheshtala. During the trip, the Argentine also played a 10-minute game with the Mohan Bagan junior team and paid a visit to former West Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu.
In 2012, Maradona again visited India, however this time he went to Kerala for a jewelry shop inauguration in Kannur for Chemmanur Jewelers. While the trip was only for 2 days, it was memorable for every fan who got a chance to witness the World Cup-winning football legend in live and living color.
His final visit to India was in 2017 when he visited Kolkata and played a friendly game with cricket icon Sourav Ganguly. While he was not able to play in the game due to an injury he suffered on his hand, the state fell in love with him all over again. The Argentine legend also visited a nearby footballing academy while sharing his vision of uplifting Indian football in 2017.
1. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, played an international friendly at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata in 2011. His Argentina team faced Venezuela in a match that ended with a 1-0 victory for La Albiceleste. While Messi didn’t score, the crowd erupted when his corner kick led to Nicolas Otamendi scoring the match-winning header in the 67th minute.
The game is remembered for Messi’s dazzling dribbling skills, with his ability to change direction effortlessly leaving the Venezuelan defenders scrambling. His quick turns and elusive movements forced them to foul him repeatedly to prevent him from making progress.
As a global football icon, Messi commands a massive fan following in India, a country traditionally dominated by cricket. Kerala, in particular, has long been a hotspot for Messi’s Indian admirers, where football holds a special place. It’s been reported that Messi and the Argentina team are set to return to India in 2025 for a friendly match, further cementing his status as one of the most beloved footballers in the country.