Image Credit: Juan Pedro Benali's Instagram

Tuesday night at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium wasn’t just about football; it was about the connections that make the game so special.


For NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali, it was about humanity, family, and the moments that truly stand out.

Serving a one-match suspension and watching from the stands, Benali noticed a family cheering passionately nearby. Their joy and pride stood out, and he soon discovered the reason behind it. The family belonged to Hrithik Tiwari, the young goalkeeper playing on the pitch where he had spent his childhood.

Despite growing up in Guwahati and playing at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium during his formative years, Tiwari was now representing the opposition, FC Goa. For Tiwari, it was a dream come true to play in front of his loved ones. Before the match, he described the moment as "very special for me."

The presence of an 80-year-old lady from his family made the occasion even more poignant. Her passion and unwavering dedication to the team deeply moved Benali.

Touched by their story, Benali ensured that Hrithik’s family was hosted by the club during the match—a gesture of gratitude for their love of football and their grandson’s journey. Watching their emotions unfold, Benali felt reminded of the deeper connections that football fosters.

After the match, which ended in a goalless draw, Benali reflected on the experience in a heartfelt post on social media:

"This is what football means... An 80-year-old lady comes to support NorthEast United FC with her family frequently! She’s a family member of FC Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, who grew up near our home, Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium," Benali wrote on his Instagram handle.

What moved him most was learning that the family remains loyal to NorthEast United FC, regularly attending games to cheer for their native team.

"It was a pleasure hosting Hrithik’s family for our matchday against FC Goa! What is touching is that the family always comes out to support NorthEast! It was a pleasure meeting them, and it is what keeps us motivated to keep going and giving our all on the field!" he added.