For most football fans, the focus during a match is on the players and coaches. But behind the scenes, there are countless individuals whose contributions are just as vital to a team’s success.

One such figure is Bybu PR, a masseur with Odisha FC and a veteran of the Indian Super League (ISL). His hands have worked tirelessly for over a decade to keep players fit and ready for matches.

From humble beginnings to a career in football that has taken him to remarkable heights, Bybu’s journey is as inspiring as it is unique.

Finding his calling

Hailing from Kerala, Bybu’s first experience with therapy came when he joined martial arts classes during his school years. Beyond learning self-defense, he discovered the ancient art of massage therapy, including Ayurvedic and Panchakarma techniques. More than a skill, it soon became a calling.

After completing his 10th standard, he left home for Pune, where he began working at an Ayurvedic resort. His exceptional skills soon caught the attention of the Army Sports Institute (ASI), where he worked with elite athletes for nearly a decade. Later on, he worked in global events like the Commonwealth Games and the Rio Olympics.

From athletics to football

Bybu first entered the world of football in 2015 through a connection with a Sports Authority of India (SAI) official. Joining Delhi Dynamos FC under the legendary Roberto Carlos, who served as the head coach at the time, was a turning point in his career. Transitioning from athletics to football brought new challenges and opportunities.

“Football brought a different set of challenges,” he explains. “The massages were more focused on the lower body, and the facilities were of a much higher standard than what I had experienced in athletics. The experiences I gained were on another level.”

Carlos left a lasting impression on Bybu. One moment stands out in particular. After a victory, the team was celebrating, and as usual, Bybu stood at the back. Roberto Carlos called him to the front and had him cut the cake with the team.

“It was my first experience like that in life. It made me very happy,” he recalls.

ISL journey

After stints with renowned coaches like Gianluca Zambrotta and working permanently with Delhi Dynamos FC, Bybu later joined Odisha FC in 2019. Over the years, he has seen the league grow from modest beginnings to its current stature as the premier football league in India.

“When I first came to the ISL, there were only a handful of fans. Now, the support has grown significantly. There has been a notable difference,” he shares.

His role within the team goes beyond physical recovery. To players, both Indian and foreign, he’s a brother and a constant source of positivity. Bybu reveals he shares a close bond, particularly with Fijian forward Roy Krishna.

“Be it Indian players or foreign players, they treat us well. To them, I am like a ‘Chettan.’ It's like a brotherhood feeling,” Bybu says, smiling.

For someone who has worked across multiple sports, including athletics at the global level, it’s football that has given Bybu some of his most cherished memories. None more so than Odisha FC’s victory in the 2023 Super Cup, the club’s first-ever trophy.

“Winning the Super Cup was an unforgettable experience,” he says. “We celebrated with unbridled joy when we got the cup. Having been in this field for years, it was the first time I experienced something like that. I celebrated it well.”

For Bybu, Odisha FC has become like his first family now.

“The team we work with is always our first priority. Everything else comes next,” he asserts.

In a world where players and coaches take the spotlight, Bybu PR’s story serves as a reminder of the many unsung heroes whose contributions make the beautiful game truly special.