In India, my idol is Sunil Chhetri: NorthEast United FC's Jithin MS
Jithin MS is currently in the national team camp, preparing ahead of India's friendly against Malaysia.
Jithin Madathil Subran (Jithin MS) has been on the rise since making his move to Indian Super League (ISL) side NorthEast United FC. From playing on Kerala’s fields to competing in the country's top-flight league and earning call-up to the Indian national side, he shares his remarkable journey.
Jithin MS joined the Highlanders in August 2022, transitioning from a successful stint with Gokulam Kerala FC, where he played a key role in their back-to-back I-League title wins.
Reflecting on his early days with NorthEast United FC, Jithin shared:
“In my first season, I was nervous. But with support from the coach and teammates, I got comfortable,” he said in an interview with Khel Now.
Jithin's first season in the ISL showcased glimpses of his potential. He made 16 appearances throughout the campaign and scored one goal. The arrival of Spanish coach Juan Pedro Benali marked a turning point in his career. Under Benali's guidance, Jithin flourished, recording five goals and five assists in the 2023-24 season.
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His standout performances continued throughout the Durand Cup, where he was awarded the Golden Ball for his contributions—four goals and three assists in six matches—as the Highlanders clinched their first-ever silverware. Reflecting on this achievement, he said:
“This has been one of the best campaigns I’ve ever had. My hard work and the coach’s guidance helped me achieve the Golden Ball.”
During the final against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, he was the driving force behind his team's efforts, providing the assist for the opening goal and consistently troubling the defence.
“The coach’s talk was positive. He encouraged me to keep delivering and keep running for the full 90 minutes,” Jithin recalled about the halftime pep talk.
He has continued his form into the new ISL season, registering four assists in eight games and his performance did not go unnoticed. He was named in Manolo Márquez’s list of 26 probables for the Indian national football team in the FIFA International Friendly against Malaysia on Monday. For Jithin, it is a step closer to fulfilling a lifelong dream.
He expressed his readiness: “I’m focused on training and our matches. One day, the time will come.”
Jithin MS, reporting for National Duty! 🇮🇳#StrongerAsOne #8States1United pic.twitter.com/qkOApkaF4T
— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) November 13, 2024
He also highlighted the club's camaraderie and friendship: "My roommates, Mirshad Michu and Mayakkannan Muthu, and teammates like Ali (Bemammer) and Hamza (Regragui), have all helped me.” he said.
He also highlighted Alaeddine Ajaraie's humour and said, “He joined recently and has everyone laughing.”
Training alongside his idol Sunil Chhetri during a previous national camp in Bhubaneswar remains one of his cherished memories:
“I admired Ronaldinho a lot. In India, my idol is Sunil Chhetri. Last time, in Bhubaneswar, I trained with him in the national camp. He even gifted me a pair of football boots, and from that day onward, I have worn them for every game.”
In his 43 ISL appearances, Jithin has contributed five goals and six assists. This season, he has already assisted four goals in eight matches and is looking forward to keeping his consistency after the international break with a match against East Bengal FC on November 29.
