India’s U-17 team’s defender Sanjeev Stalin has come a long way from being a young boy in Bengaluru. Stalin was first noticed by former East Bengal and Mohun Bagan player Jamshid Nassiri during an U-13 tournament in Bengaluru, as reported by Goal.
Thereafter, he moved to the Chandigarh Football Academy at the age of 11, where he learnt most of his trade.
Born on 1 January 2001
Sanjeev Stalin was born on 1 January 2001 in Bengaluru. Apart from football, Stalin is a talented Futsal player and an avid fan of music maestro AR Rahman.
Family Owns a Jersey Shop
The defender’s mother sells jerseys on the footpath and his father works for the Central Government Health Scheme, as reported by Scroll.
My family always wanted me to play football and represent the nation. I am thankful to God that I have a family which supports me through thick and thin. My father made everything possible for me in life and he has been my biggest inspiration to never give up in life.Sanjeev Stalin to AIFF
Free-Kick and Penalty Specialist
When it comes to taking free-kicks or penalties, all eyes will be on Sanjeev Stalin during the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Stalin, who showed his free-kick skills during the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) U-16 championships, can also take shots at the goal, when required.
Yes, we are concentrating on set-pieces because they will be important during the World Cup. Goal scoring from set-pieces is a possibility and the team can then concentrate on defending to gain three points.Sanjeev Stalin to Goal
If required, Stalin can score a goal from the halfway line as well.
My first goal was from the halfway line in a local football tournament and it was an amazing feeling. All I could think about was how happy would my father be at that moment.Sanjeev Stalin to AIFF
Idols and Favourite Teams
While Stalin maybe a defender, he certainly idolises the way Argentinian great Diego Maradona used to score his goals.
And moving away from Argentina, Stalin supports English club Arsenal.
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