Anwar Ali

Anisa Anwar Ali (; born 28 August 2000) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Indian Super League club East Bengal and the India national team.

Club career Born in Adampur, Punjab, Anwar started to play football at the age of seven for a local club. He started as a striker but later shifted to the defensive line.

Minerva Punjab Anwar joined the youth set-up of Minerva Punjab in 2015 and played for the club in different youth level competitions, including the Elite League. His performance at the club earned him national team call-ups.

Indian Arrows (loan) After an impressive 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign, Anwar joined Indian Arrows on a season-long loan from Minerva Punjab ahead of the 2017–18 I-League. He made his professional debut in a 3–0 home win over Chennai City.

Mumbai City On 7 August 2018, Anwar joined Indian Super League club Mumbai City on a three-year deal. He was loaned out to Indian Arrows for the 2018–19 I-League. He was named in Mumbai City's squad for the 2019–20 Indian Super League but later withdrew after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition. Later, his contract was terminated on mutual terms and medical grounds. but the AIFF directed the club no not allow him to train with the club, citing his heart condition. Mohammedan chose to release him, considering directions from the top football body, despite a verdict from the Delhi High Court that allowed him to join the club.

Techtro Swades United On 23 November 2020, Anwar joined Techtro Swades United of the Himachal Football League on a short-term contract. He appeared twice for the club in the 2020 Himachal Football League.

Delhi FC On 21 May 2021, Anwar joined Delhi FC on five-year deal. After being allowed by the AIFF to return to competitive football, he featured in the 2021 Durand Cup and helped Delhi reach the knockout stage. He became the top scorer of the 2021 I-League Qualifiers with four goals from seven appearances.

FC Goa On 1 January 2022, Anwar joined Indian Super League club FC Goa on an eighteen-month loan from Delhi FC. He made his debut in a 1–0 home win over Chennaiyin.

Mohun Bagan SG On 13 July 2023, Anwar joined Mohun Bagan SG on a four-year loan from Delhi FC.

East Bengal FC

Anwar terminated his contract with Mohun Bagan on 8 July and after a controversial episode of tussle with the AIFF Players Status Committee (PSC) and his former team Mohun Bagan, Anwar finally received his No Objection Certificate (NOC) and joined East Bengal on a five-year contract. Since his signing, he is evading his punishment by remaining absent from the Delhi High Court along with his lawyer and postponing his hearing every time. Anwar made his debut for East Bengal on 22 September against Kerala Blasters away at Kochi.

International career Youth level In 2015, Anwar was called up for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup preparatory squad of India under-17 after head coach Luís Norton de Matos impressed with his defensive display for Minerva Punjab youth side against India U-17 in a practice match. Two successful years with the national side saw him in the final 21-member squad for the U-17 World Cup, which was hosted in India He started in all of India's group stage matches.

Anwar scored the winner in India U-20's historic 2–1 win against Argentina U-20 in the 2018 COTIF Tournament.

Senior debut In May 2019, Anwar was called up for the India senior team national camp but was later sent back after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition.

In March 2022, Anwar was called up for the India squad by coach Igor Štimac for two friendly matches against Bahrain and Belarus. He made his debut on 23 March against Bahrain in a 2–1 defeat. Anwar scored his first international goal on 14 June 2022 against Hong Kong in a 4–0 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualification win.

Personal life In 2019, Anwar Ali was forbidden from playing football by the AIFF as he was diagnosed with a rare heart disease, namely Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle wall becomes abnormally thick and affects the pumping of blood. Later in 2021, Anwar got clearance from the AIFF to play following a Delhi High Court verdict.

Career statistics Club

International

India score listed first, score column indicates score after each Ali goal

+ List of international goals scored by Anwar AliNo.DateVenueCapOpponentScoreResultCompetition 1. 14 June 2022 Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, India 6 1–0 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualification 2. 29 August 2025 Hisor Central Stadium, Hisor, Tajikistan 28 1–0 2025 CAFA Nations Cup

Honours Mohun Bagan Durand Cup: 2023 Indian Super League Premiership: 2023–24 India SAFF Championship: 2023 Intercontinental Cup: 2023 Tri-Nation Series: 2023