East Bengal FC roped in former Cameroon national team forward, Raphael Messi Bouli until the end of the current season. Messi Bouli joins the Red & Gold Brigade from Chinese League One club Shijiazhuang Gongfu on a free transfer.

An experienced forward known for his scoring prowess, Messi Bouli returns to the Indian shores after five seasons, having netted eight goals for Kerala Blasters FC in the 2019-20 edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). Besides his impressive record in the ISL, Messi Bouli has plied his trade across Cameroon (FAP Yaounde, Canon Yaounde and APEJES), the Persian Gulf Pro League (Foolad FC) and China (Yanbian Funde, Heilongjiang Ice City, Liaoning Tieren FC, Nanjing City and Shijiazhuang Gongfu), scoring 69 goals in 173 club matches in the process.

Raphaël Messi Bouli is 🔙 in India - This time as a Red & Gold! ❤️💛#JoyEastBengal #WelcomeRaphael pic.twitter.com/KCPkGLbbev

— East Bengal FC (@eastbengal_fc) February 5, 2025

East Bengal FC Head Coach Oscar Bruzon said, “Raphaël joins us at a very crucial juncture of the season. He has played for Kerala Blasters in the past, so he is a familiar face in Indian football. He brings with him a winning mentality. His physical presence, scoring ability and dedication will make him a valuable asset to the team.”

Messi Bouli registered 14 goals and 5 assists in 28 games for Shijiazhuang Gongfu in the previous season. He last played for the Chinese club in November 2024. The tall forward also represented the Cameroon national team on six occasions, between 2013 and 2018.

Excited to join Emami East Bengal FC, Messi Bouli said, “I am excited to join a popular club like East Bengal. I want to make a significant impact for East Bengal in the last phase of the ISL and the AFC Challenge League. I can’t wait to return to India and meet the passionate fans of East Bengal!”