Manikandan (football)

Manikandan (football) Biography

Manikandan is a young footballer from Kollam of 14 years old, received his first big break when Chennai-based prospective U-15 I-League side Football Plus Professional Soccer Academy picked him on their roster. A defender in style, he impressed the academy coaches during a selection trial in Chennai in 2018, and this news are reported in big headlines in newspapers. Manikandan was once a homeless and forced into begging by his own mother, he doesn’t own a bright childhood. In 2018 he surprised everyone when, this 14-year old boy from Kerala won opportunity to get one-month training at Real Madrid, world famous football club. From begging in Ochira temple to his journey to Real Madrid football club, his story is definitely inspirational.

Fairy tales often come true. He was rescued as a child from the streets of the famous Ochira temple in Kollam, 8 years back. He, along with his sister was found begging in the streets. Dressed in drags, carrying a bowl in hand he clutched his sister’s hands and walked in the streets to earn a living. He was rescued by Child Protective Services and he grew up in the Government Children's Home off Beach Road, Kollam. It was during his stay there, the officials recognized the lad's talent with a ball at his feet and encouraged him in whatever ways they can. The coach and superintendent gave him the best training they can.

In January 2018, he was selected to get 1-month training at one of the leading football clubs of the world, Real Madrid and the young lad dreams to make it big. He impressed the foreign trainers at an I-league camp (for juniors), getting there through the Chennai Professional + football academy. Now getting ready to go to Spain, he loves to play as a central defender for his team.

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Updated: February 17, 2018