Ahmed Junaid: The Journey of a Kashmiri Football Pioneer
The story of Ahmed Junaid is one of versatility and perseverance. Born in the Barbar Shah locality of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ahmed's early years were split between two passions: cricket and football. While cricket offered more immediate opportunities, his heart belonged to the football pitch. This passion led him from the local fields of Biscoe School and the YMCA to the highest levels of professional football in India.
Ahmed's transition to professional sports was heavily influenced by his first coach, Satpal Singh, and the support of his teachers at Biscoe and Gandhi College. By the age of seventeen, he had already established himself as a powerhouse striker, leading the YMCA to a state league title and finishing as the state's top scorer.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
After a successful stint with the Jammu and Kashmir Bank football team, Ahmed was appointed captain of the Jammu and Kashmir under-21 side for the Dutta Ray Trophy. His exceptional performance earned him the best player of the tournament award, catching the eye of professional scouts.
He first signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), where he made an immediate impact in the National Football League. During his single season there, he scored seven goals, proving his capability by netting strikes against powerhouse clubs like East Bengal, Dempo, and Churchill Brothers.
His success at HAL paved the way for a move to Dempo, where he spent four seasons. During this tenure, Ahmed secured two National Football League titles, a Federation Cup, and a Durand Cup. Although he began as a striker, the arrival of Beto led to a tactical shift by head coach Armando Colaco. Ahmed was eventually paired with Nigerian striker Ranti Martins, a move that optimized the team's offensive capabilities.
The Mohun Bagan Era
Following the 2006–07 season, Ahmed made a pivotal career move by signing a one-year deal with the historic Kolkata side, Mohun Bagan. Despite initial hesitations regarding the management and payment reputation of Kolkata clubs, Ahmed flourished in the city. Transitioning primarily to a left winger, he played 37 matches in his first season.
His time at Mohun Bagan was marked by significant achievements, including winning the Federation Cup in 2008 and finishing as runners-up in the 2008–09 I-League season. Individually, he was recognized as the best player during the 2008 Santosh Trophy. In a historic milestone for his home region, Ahmed was named captain of Mohun Bagan during the 2010–11 season, becoming the first Kashmiri to captain the club.
Later Career and the Indian Super League
After four years in Kolkata, Ahmed returned to Goa to join Salgaocar, helping them secure the Federation Cup in 2011. He later moved to East Bengal, where he was a regular fixture during the 2012–13 I-League season, helping the team finish third.
The landscape of Indian football shifted with the introduction of the Indian Super League (ISL). Ahmed signed with IMG–Reliance, though this initially left him without an I-League club due to agreements between the leagues. He eventually joined Mohammedan on October 30, 2013.
In July 2014, Ahmed was selected by the Kerala Blasters in the ISL player draft. He debuted on October 30, 2014, against Pune City. One of the highlights of his ISL tenure was scoring the opening goal in the first leg of the 2014 playoffs against Chennaiyin, leading to a 3–0 victory.
Ahmed's later years saw him transition into leadership and coaching. He served as a player-assistant coach for the Kerala Blasters in 2015 and had loan spells with Pune and Mumbai. In May 2017, he joined the I-League 2nd Division side Mohammedan on a two-season loan.
Key Facts
- First Kashmiri Captain: First player from Jammu and Kashmir to captain Mohun Bagan (2010–11).
- Versatility: Successfully played as a striker, left winger, and midfielder throughout his career.
- Major Honors: Won two National Football League titles, multiple Federation Cups, and a Durand Cup.
- ISL Impact: Scored a crucial playoff goal for Kerala Blasters in 2014.
- Early Success: Named best player of the Dutta Ray Trophy as captain of the J&K under-21 side.
Below is a summary of Ahmed Junaid's professional club journey.
| Club | Key Achievement/Role | Notable Period |
|---|---|---|
| HAL | 7 goals in National Football League | Early Career |
| Dempo | 2x National Football League titles | 4 Seasons |
| Mohun Bagan | First Kashmiri Captain; Federation Cup winner | 2007–2011 |
| Salgaocar | Federation Cup winner (2011) | Post-Mohun Bagan |
| East Bengal | 3rd place in I-League (2012–13) | 2012–2013 |
| Kerala Blasters | Player-Assistant Coach; Playoff goalscorer | 2014–2015 |
| Mohammedan | I-League 2nd Division loan | 2017–2019 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which club did Ahmed Junaid captain as the first Kashmiri?
Ahmed Junaid became the first Kashmiri captain in the history of Mohun Bagan during the 2010–11 season.
What positions did Ahmed Junaid play during his career?
He began his career as a striker, later played as a left winger (particularly at Mohun Bagan), and was also utilized in the midfield.
How did Ahmed Junaid perform in the Indian Super League?
Playing for the Kerala Blasters, he made his debut in 2014 and scored the first goal in the first leg of the 2014 ISL playoffs against Chennaiyin.
Which trophies did he win during his time with Dempo?
At Dempo, Ahmed won the National Football League title twice, as well as the Federation Cup and the Durand Cup.
Who was the coach that helped Ahmed turn professional?
Ahmed credits his first football coach, Satpal Singh, for brushing up his skills and helping him transition into a professional footballer.