Few Indian players in the Indian Super League (ISL) have made as much of an impact this season as Parthib Gogoi of NorthEast United FC. The young winger has started the ISL 2023-24 season in impressive fashion, netting three goals in the club's first four matches. Remarkably, all three of Gogoi's goals were spectacular strikes from outside the penalty area, showcasing his ability not only as a creative playmaker but also as a goal scorer.

Hailing from his home state of Assam, Gogoi's journey has come full circle since his birth in Sivasagar. His football career began at an academy owned by his father. India international Naorem Mahesh, now at East Bengal FC, was also a part of his father's football academy.

Gogoi would go on to hone his skills at Ozone FC before joining the Indian Arrows in 2019. He made a name for himself with the Arrows during three seasons before earning a move to the ISL in 2021, signing with NorthEast United FC. Reflecting on his childhood, Gogoi mentioned how his father would show him clips of football legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on his phone back when he was growing up.

"There weren't smartphones back then when I was growing up. My father didn't have a smartphone, so he would show me clips of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi on his phone. My father has an interest in football too. So, he would show me that there are players, and they play like this," Gogoi shared in an episode of In The Stands.

Watch the full episode below:

Not only has Gogoi been in the form of his life, but he is also thoroughly enjoying his game under the guidance of NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali. Gogoi made his mark with four goals in the Durand Cup, including a hat-trick. His contributions propelled the Highlanders to the semi-final.

Apart from that, Gogoi has already matched his goal tally from the previous ISL season, displaying immense promise. Following their season-opening loss to Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC has been unbeaten, collecting points away from home against Punjab FC and Kerala Blasters FC. Gogoi said that their success can be attributed to the family-like bond within the team.

"He (Benali) has transformed us into a complete team," Gogoi mentioned. "He’s brought discipline into the team. And on and off the pitch, how we need to stay together... It’s more like a team now. And it feels more like a family."

Earlier this month, Gogoi extended his contract with NorthEast United FC, securing his future with the club until 2027. At just 20 years old, Gogoi has already become a fan favorite and an integral part of their first team. In doing so, he has not only fulfilled his dream of playing in the ISL but also his parents' dream of playing alongside his brother Pragyan.

"When I initially signed, I didn't imagine that I needed to come here. And since I have arrived here, everything is going well. The club has given me a lot, and I've got to learn a lot of things. And in return, I also wanted to give back to this club. All thanks to Mandar Tamhane, John Abraham, and my coaches. I'm sure that we will do well this season and in the coming years," he expressed.

"It's good that I'm getting to do what I love, which is playing football. It’s always been my dream to play in the ISL since I was a kid. So now that I am playing, I am enjoying myself. It feels amazing."

Gogoi has captured more attention this season than any other Indian player in the ISL. While he showed flashes of his potential last season, he is now on the path to consistency. For Gogoi, staying grounded is crucial.

"I don't think a lot about this attention. Sometimes, I delete my Instagram. Sometimes, I get off social media," he revealed. "It’s good, but it can work against you as well. It’s how you take it. The people around me are quite nice. The coaches keep sharing their experiences with me. They tell me it's just the start of my career and that I have a long way to go. I have to cross every hurdle step by step," he concluded.

Related tags:

NorthEast United FCParthib Gogoi2023-2024