Jay Gupta

Jay Gupta (born 27 September 2001) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Indian Super League club East Bengal and the India national team.

He spent most of his career abroad, predominantly in Portugal and Spain, between 2019 and 2023.

Later career On 7 August 2023, it was officially announced that Indian Super League club FC Goa roped him in as their new addition to the defence. He earned caps for Manolo Márquez managed Goa in 2023 Durand Cup, in which they reached semi-finals, until going down to Mohun Bagan. He made his competitive league debut on 2 October against newly promoted side Punjab, in their 1–0 victory. On 7 October, he scored first goal for the club with a curler right at the death in the campaign against Odisha, in their 3–2 win at home. Until the international break in November, he was awarded ISL emerging player of month (October), with one goal and one assist in all five matches, playing crucial role in Goa's unbeaten run.

East Bengal On 15 July 2025, Gupta moved to East Bengal for a transfer fee of ₹1.5 crore, plus ₹10 lakh in appearance-based bonuses. This made it the highest fee FC Goa had ever received for an Indian player, surpassing the club's previous record set by Aibanbha Dohling in 2023.

International career On 7 March 2024, Gupta was called-up to the national squad of India as one of the 35 probables by head coach Igor Štimac, for the two matches against Afghanistan in round 2 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Gupta made his debut on 6 June 2024 in a World Cup qualifier against Kuwait at the Salt Lake Stadium. He started the game and played 83 minutes as the game ended 0–0, in which team captain Sunil Chhetri bid adieu his long international career. On 11 June, he appeared in their last game of the qualification stage against Qatar at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium as starter until being substituted due to an injury, in which India lost 1–2 and failed to move to the third round.

Personal life Gupta was born in Pune, Maharashtra.

Style of play Playing primarily as a left-back, Gupta is also capable of playing any role in the defensive area. He can play the role of a venture forward, contributing in attack, in addition into defensive duties.

International

Honours FC Goa Super Cup: 2025

East Bengal FC Indian Super League: 2025–26

Individual Indian Super League Emerging Player of the Month: October 2023