Mizoram’s Lallianzuala Chhangte has been named the Indian Player of the Year at the Football Players’ Association of India (FPAI) Indian Football Awards 2026, earning the honour for the third time.
The 29-year-old India international was recognised for his performances during the 2025–26 season at an awards ceremony in Kolkata on Saturday. He succeeds himself after previously winning the award in 2023 and 2024.
Chhangte’s latest win makes him only the second player after Sunil Chhetri to win the FPAI Indian Player of the Year award three times.
His first came in 2023, when he helped Mumbai City FC secure the ISL League Winners’ Shield after a standout campaign. He retained the award in 2024 following another influential season that saw Mumbai City lift the ISL Cup.
The FPAI award is decided through votes from professional footballers, with players from the Indian Super League and I-League taking part in the men’s category. In 2024, Chhangte reportedly secured more than half of the 460 votes cast.
Chhangte captained Mumbai City FC during the 2025–26 campaign. The club’s official squad announcement for the season identified him as captain, while he finished the ISL campaign with four goals in 13 appearances.
He subsequently moved to Mohun Bagan ahead of the 2026–27 season, joining the Kolkata-based club after leaving Mumbai City.
In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram after receiving the award, Chhangte reflected on the significance of winning it for a third time. “The first one was special, but the third carries a different kind of meaning. It’s a reminder of God’s faithfulness,” he wrote.
He dedicated the honour to his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, saying his faith had kept him “grounded and humble” throughout his career.
Chhangte also thanked his family, loved ones and friends, as well as everyone at Mumbai City FC, including his teammates, coaches, medical and support staff, manager, masseurs and kit manager.
He expressed particular appreciation to the FPAI for recognising players’ work both on and off the field and for bringing footballers together to address issues affecting the profession.
“And to every player who voted for me, thank you,” Chhangte wrote. “I value this recognition deeply because it comes from people who understand the demands, sacrifices, setbacks and every journey of a footballer.”
Chhangte’s latest FPAI award comes alongside a growing list of individual honours. He has also twice been named AIFF Men’s Player of the Year, for the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons.
At the 2026 FPAI awards, Manisha Kalyan was named Indian Women’s Player of the Year, while Shillong Lajong’s Phrangki Buam won I-League Player of the Year and Sanan Mohammed K was named Young Player of the Year.
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