I can’t wait to be back with the Hyderabad FC family: Winger Abdul Rabeeh
Hyderabad FC holds a great reputation for scouting and acquiring young prodigies from across the country. Abdul Rabeeh, hailing from the football-loving state of Kerala, is a shining example of Hyderabad FC's successful endeavours. Like many other gifted players from Kerala, Rabeeh was swiftly identified, and he is now rapidly making a name for himself in Indian football.
Hyderabad FC holds a great reputation for scouting and acquiring young prodigies from across the country. Abdul Rabeeh, hailing from the football-loving state of Kerala, is a shining example of Hyderabad FC's successful endeavours. Like many other gifted players from Kerala, Rabeeh was swiftly identified, and he is now rapidly making a name for himself in Indian football.
After an impressive spell with Kerala Blasters B in the I-League 2nd division and Luca Soccer Club in the Kerala Premier League, Rabeeh caught the attention of Hyderabad FC, who promptly acquired his services.
Following his exceptional performances with the Hyderabad FC reserve team in the 2021 Durand Cup, Rabeeh deservedly earned a promotion to the main squad. Despite accumulating only 55 minutes of playing time from three appearances in the 2021-22 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) season, the speedy winger showcased his talents in the 2022 Reliance Foundation Development League.
The 22-year-old continued his hard work this season and impressed the manager in the Durand Cup, which naturally led to him becoming an impactful substitute for Manolo Marquez’s side in the Hero ISL 2022-23 season.
Rabeeh's confidence and quick thinking make him a formidable player. Recognizing his talent, the club offered him a long-term contract extension in January, securing his services until the end of the 2025-26 season. This decision came after Rabeeh had an impressive season with the Yellow and Black, further solidifying his place in the team. He contributed three assists in 18 appearances during the Hero ISL campaign.
“At the start of the season, my place in the first team was not fixed and that scared me. But once I started training and playing, I forgot about everything. And soon enough, Hyderabad FC offered me a new contract, and I was really excited to continue working with this family,” Rabeeh shared in an interview with HFC media.
The winger grew in confidence as the season progressed. It was in the Hero Super Cup in Kerala when the Malappuram-born player scored his first goal for the club, much to the delight of his family members and friends who were in attendance for the game.
“Ever since I started playing football, it was a dream to play in front of my family and friends, who supported me through thick and thin. So, it was unbelievable that I managed to score with all of them watching from the stands in my hometown, where it all started for me as a footballer,” Rabeeh said.
As a fun-loving character, Rabeeh cherishes the companionship of his teammates, but he shares a special bond with roommates Sahil Tavora and Aaren D'Silva.
“I live with Sahil Tavora and Aaren D’Silva, but (Mohammad) Yasir, (Akash) Mishra, and everyone at the club is like real friends. I can ask them for anything. Whenever we can, we laugh together, dance together and we spend a lot of quality time together and I can’t wait to be back with this family,” shared the winger.
Over the years, Rabeeh has developed a deep affection for the city of Hyderabad and its people. He expressed contentment with the abundance of productive activities available during his free time.
“A lot of time goes away in training but Hyderabad has plenty of places to visit nearby and I have loved the people of this city, who are very friendly,” he concluded.