I try to imitate small things that Neymar does: Mohammed Aimen
The winger, who received his first call-up to the senior team, spoke about his performance in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers and more.
For years, Kerala Blasters FC fans have been buzzing Mohammed Aimen, a talented winger with quick feet and fearless flair. Now, after dazzling at the U-23 level, Aimen has taken the next big step, having received his first call-up to the senior Indian football team earlier this month.
Aimen’s rise gained fresh momentum during the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Qatar. Though India’s U-23 side bowed out despite earning six points, Aimen made headlines with a late brace in a 6-0 rout of Brunei. For the 21-year-old, wearing the national shirt and scoring in it was a dream come true.
“It’s always a proud moment to wear the national jersey. To score two goals also. I was so proud and happy, and even my family too. The only sad part was we didn’t qualify. It came down to goal difference. But overall it was a good performance from my teammates as well. We gave everything on the field, so I’m really happy about the performance and the goals,” Aimen said in an interaction with India Today.
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Aimen’s journey to this point has been steady but promising. He broke into the Indian Super League (ISL) with Kerala Blasters FC in 2023-24, making valuable contributions with two assists and a goal as the club reached the playoffs. The following season offered fewer minutes but even in cameos, he showed glimpses of the qualities that now define his game: pace, trickery and an instinct to take defenders on. The youngster is keen on increasing his output.
“To score more goals, give more assists (is my target) — inshallah. As a winger, I need to do that. And of course, some dribbling and showboating as well,” he said.
“Most coaches don’t like it much because there’s a chance of losing the ball. But I still try to do it sometimes because I love it — I love Neymar a lot. I’ve watched thousands of his clips from a young age, and he’s my idol. I try to imitate small things he does.”
That unapologetic style is what has carried him to his biggest challenge yet, a senior India call-up for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore in October. For Aimen, it’s about staying true to the attributes that got him here.
“A dribbler and a scorer — that’s my style. I won’t change much. I want to be the kind of player who goes one-v-one, does some showboating, scores goals, and gives assists,” he expressed.
