Sanjeev Stalin

Sanjeev Stalin (born 17 January 2001) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a defender. He has represented India at various youth international levels including in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Club career Youth and early career Indian Arrows Stalin was part of the AIFF Elite Academy batch that was preparing for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup to be hosted in India. After the tournament, Stalin was selected to play for the Indian Arrows, an All India Football Federation-owned team that would consist of India under-20 players to give them playing time. He made his professional debut for the side in the Arrow's first match of the season against Chennai City. He started and helped the team keep the clean sheet as Indian Arrows won 3–0. C.D. Aves On 11 February 2020, Stalin signed a two-year deal at Portuguese Primeira Liga club C.D. Aves, where played for the club's U-19 and U-23 squads.

Sertanense On 24 August 2020, Stalin joined Portuguese third division club Sertanense for the 2020–21 season. Kerala Blasters On 18 March 2021, Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters FC announced the signing of Stalin on a 3-year deal. He made his debut for the club in the 2021 Durand Cup match against arch-rivals Bengaluru FC on 15 September, which they lost 2–0. Stalin made his Indian Super League debut in the match against Hyderabad FC on 9 January 2022 as substitute for injured Jessel Carneiro, which the Blasters won 1–0. On 26 February, in the match against their southern rivals Chennaiyin FC, he was awarded with the man of the match award for his performance, as the Blasters won 3–0 at full-time.

Mumbai City FC On 14 July 2022, Mumbai City FC announced the signing of Stalin on a four-year contract for an undisclosed transfer fee. He made his debut away against Hyderabad FC, coming on as a 76th minute substitute for Mandar Rao Dessai in a 3-3 draw.

International career Stalin represented the India under-17 side which participated in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup which was hosted in India. On 9 October 2017, he assisted Jeakson Singh to score India's first ever goal in a FIFA tournament against Colombia. His parents run a small garment shop and his mother is a Burmese Indian who emigrated back to India to help her nephew. At the age of 10 Stalin was spotted by Indo-Iranian coach Jamshid Nassiri who recommended that he should join a football academy.

Honours Mumbai City ISL League Winners Shield: 2022–23